Dark Angeli

Riane Lasair

DARK ANGELI BY RIANE LASAIR Venus Press LLC

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The scanning, uploading and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal, and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, places, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

DARK ANGELI Copyright © 2006 by Riane Lasair ISBN: 1-59836-348-4 Cover Art © 2006 by Dan Skinner All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any form without permission, except as provided by the U.S. Copyright Law. Printed and bound in the United States of America. For information, you can find us on the web at www.VenusPress.com

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Dedication:

To Nikita who never let me forget who my friends are. Thank you all for your support and encouragement. And to Tracey, who always was there to encourage me.

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Chapter One

Commander Mishka Sakar stood over the bodies of the fallen like an avenging angel. Her long black hair was plated into a thick rope hanging down her back, whipping back and forth along the long line of her back in the violent winds that fanned the fires that had erupted during the fighting. Her sword, in one hand, dripped red with the blood of the fallen laying around her on the hard ground of the inner walls. In her other hand she had coiled a whip, perched on her hip above her armored leggings. The cries of the wounded rose around her, but her eyes remained empty. Scanning the ground around her and the battlements she noted soldiers rounding up those who survived the battle. “Call the healers!” she began to move through the fallen, friend and foe alike. Already ships were landing a safe distance away from the fighting, healers and assistants were swarming out to treat the injured. Deep inside the fortified main complex was her goal. She could see her guard pulling men out into the main hall. She would deal with them when her liege lord arrived. Nodding to other commanders as she made her way deeper into the bowels of the complex, she noted the computer systems were now down and allowed herself a small thrill of victory. Her own soldiers would be taking control of all systems very soon. Reaching her destination, followed by no less than six of her personal guard, she keyed the opening to the cellblocks. Inside she could hear the moans of those held inside small boxes, piled six high, in four levels. Lifting her gaze she looked over the cell doors and noted that there were no guards. They must have been called when the fighting broke out above ground. “Get the men in here. I want healers to tend to the wounded here before the survivors above.” She walked down the corridor, her boots ringing against metal with each step, and climbed the stairs to the next level. There were over two hundred cells and from what she could see, every one was occupied with no less than three people. A chill worked its way up her spine as she looked into each window. “We have four healers on the way as we speak, my lady, the rest should arrive shortly from above.” The gruff voice of Rayce, her second in command, echoed slightly as he followed her down the walkway. 5

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“Have we located the Commander of this complex?” she asked off hand, almost musical as her tone of voice changed. It was a warning to Rayce that she was almost at the end of her patience after viewing the carnage within the small cells. Wincing slightly, he looked to the others below; with a confirming nod from one of his soldiers he took relish in reporting, “Yes, my lady. He and his core guard are being held above for your arrival and that of Lord Grayson.” “Good.” Looking over at one of her guard she made an abbreviated motion with her chin. “Mathew, go above and order our men to scour the complex. I want every body accounted for, I want every file secured, round up all the technicians and discover if they were working for the leader willingly or against it.” she snapped out her orders as she moved back to the main hall, her guards followed her. “Get someone down here to start opening those cages. Make the living facilities available to our men.” “Already done, my lady.” Rayce nodded. “I have secured you a room already and a link to Lord Grayson whenever you are ready.” “I don’t have time for that now.” She bristled with an angry shrug. Her eyes, a strange color of deep reddish brown, burned with anger. They were framed by a thick set of lashes, as black as her hair, and perfect eyebrows arched over them. Her eyes tipped up at the corners, leading a cat like grace on her face. Her lips were now twisted in an angry grimace, but usually in repose were luscious and full. Her graceful nose expanding as she breathed through her nose and out her mouth through clenched teeth. Her armor glinted in the dim light coming from the emergency lighting through out the complex. Boots rapped on the metal flooring as she walked up the platform and into the lift. Rayce and his men moved as one unit behind her into the lift as she pressed the setting to raise them up to the upper levels of the complex. Watching the communication channels on the panel she saw that the computers were now under their control and the back up generators were even now kicking in. Technicians would be securing the systems one by one. She had greatly relished destroying their generators on the first pass before landing outside the main walls of the complex. After a year of planning, taking out their ships one by one, she had finally reached her goal. Entering the main rooms of the complex she saw the survivors of the battle secured in shackles being guarded by fifty of her soldiers. “Lady.” One of the technicians, a captain, overseeing the other techs, moved up close. He presented his report silently to her, handing over the digital plate. She quickly read over the information and smiled grimly. Her eyes took on a different light, causing several of the guard to shift nervously around her. 6

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“Relax gentlemen.” A smile graced her relaxed lips. “Captain, I have men below working at freeing the prisoners. See that these men,” Glaring at the captives, “grace those cells, one in each. I want no less than four guards on each level to ensure that silence is retained. If any of them whisper a word...” She made sure she retained eye contact with the men now in their custody, “if a word is whispered at any time, I want the man killed.” The captain nodded and barked out orders to the men guarding the prisoners. Over the course of the night, she watched as each of the cells was emptied of their prisoners, and the captives that had survived the battle were placed inside. Moving through the now formed lines of pallets in the main hall, she watched healers move from those that had been released from the cells below. Most moaned pitifully on the makeshift pallets, while others were in blessed oblivion. There were old men, as well as women with children who clutched their hands sitting close to the pallets. The sight of the children tore at her insides, seeing their scarred flesh and ragged clothing. Snagging a passing guard, she hissed at him while her hand gripped the cloth of his shirt. “I want all the extra bedding stripped within the hour. Give the children extra rations of food and allow them to cover themselves.” Her eyes snapped with fire as she glared at the man who stiffened in her grasp her. “By your will, Lady.” He gave an abbreviated bow, eyes never leaving hers, allowing himself to breathe a bit easier as she released him, and marched off. Rayce stepped close, his head bent close to her so no one could hear. “Your quarters await, Lady. Lord Grayson wishes a communication as soon as possible. I have arranged a meal in your quarters.” Even as her eyes watched the retreating soldier, she nodded absently and allowed Rayce to pull her down the hall to her rooms. Once there, she saw a bath steaming ready for her. Ignoring her second in command she began to pull off her armor, eager to submerge her tired muscles in the hot water before her. “Put the call through, then go and rest Rayce.” Unlacing her pants, she didn’t look up to see if he heard or not. With her back to the view screen she heard the chime announcing the call connection. “My lord Grayson.” Pulling off her top and tossing it into a chair for later cleaning, she moved closer to the steaming pool near her, unwinding her hair, she savored the easing of the tension in her scalp. “Commander Sakar.” He had a voice that never stopped being a soothing balm to her wounded soul. “I take it the plan was a success?” Still with her back to him, she submerged herself in the water, rising and pushing the excess water out of her face and smoothing back her hair, unaware of the sight of the 7

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water flowing down smooth skin, caressing her high firm breasts. Her eyes closed she soaped her hair as she made her report. “Yes, my lord Grayson. I have one hundred and seventy-five officers and enlisted men of the enemy presently in their own prison cells. I have his previous tenants currently in the great room being tended by our healers. Computers are secured as well as the computer files. No one will be tampering with anything until the Empires technicians can get here and take charge.” “Very good, Commander. I knew I chose right when I selected you to implement the plan. You can expect to see me within the next three days, as well as the royal guard.” His voice changed, more somber he added, “Get some rest Commander, you look tired.” She looked over her shoulder at Grayson, and froze. Through the viewing screen, she saw the whole of the royal family sitting there watching as she leisurely took her bath. She could see the unholy mirth shining in Grayson’s eyes as he saw her recognition. Taking a deep breath, she wound her hair into a towel and resumed her bath. If they wanted to watch her bathe, then who was she to stop them from watching? Picking up a new Achi sponge, she applied the thick soap and lathered it up. Looking over her shoulder, she applied the Achi now filled with the thick soap to her shoulder, and watched as Grayson followed the movements, as if mesmerized. A small smile curved her lips as a knowing look entered her eyes. Running the sponge up and down her arm then over her breast, the thick fragrant suds clung to her skin, both hiding and accenting her curves. A ring ran through her nipple and winked in the light of the candles she lit to provide additional soothing scents to the room, as well as lighting. Just then Rayce entered and bowed to the screen, keeping his eyes averted. “My lady.” “What is it, Rayce?” Turning, her back facing the viewing screen, her tattoo was clearly visible to everyone. The panther filled up the whole of her back, its tail curling around her left hip, dipping around her abdomen. The claws extended on the front paws grazed her right shoulder, its eyes gleaming out of the face that was turned to the viewer. Razor sharp teeth were revealed in the open snarl. The tattoo was very detailed, and viewing it, the individual hairs that made up the fur of the cat could be clearly seen. The eyes were the exact same color as her own, which caused some to comment on it when they saw the tattoo. Some whispered that it was almost as if the cat was alive on her back, and they were one being. She often scoffed at them, but a secretive smile usually accompanied the words. 8

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Rayce cleared his throat and read off the report. “We have uncovered a total of one hundred seventy-eight prisoners still alive from the attack. Thirty-three wounded of ours accounted for. Two dead, and one critical asking for you personally, I said I would speak to you first. I have technicians checking through every mine, gem, and ore to be accounted for. We wait for Lord Grayson to arrive to take control.” “Very good, Rayce. Grayson will be here in three days. Inform the guard that the prisoners are not to be questioned until Grayson is here. Sequester Halmand away from his staff. I want a guard on him around the clock. Visual, not just listening, Rayce.” she warned. “Then have someone count the stores in the house. I want to make sure my men are fed. If more is needed, scrounge from the ships stores.” She paused, looking over her shoulder at the screen, “With your permission, my lord?” “I agree with your orders, Commander Sakar. We will see you in a few days.” With another nodding bow, the screen went blank. With an outward calm she finished her bath, ignoring the tremors running through her from just seeing his face on the screen. **** Inside the fortified craft speeding towards Alpha Nine, Lord Hawk Grayson, sipped at his ale and pondered the reports coming from his commander. Of all of his commanders, Mishka Sakar was the best, most aggressive one he had. He had followed her progress through the ranks of the Imperial Army from early on. Mishka had been aggressive since day one, and many of the younger recruits took great pleasure in trying to beat that trait out of her. Some said she felt she was superior to many in the ranks. Hawk saw it as she simply believed she could do anything better. She was quicker, smarter, thought things through rather than going into any situation blindly. Mishka was adept at puzzles and as such, she went at each encounter looking for the puzzle, searching for a weak spot within the enemy’s ranks. Most often she found that weak link and exploited it. He made it a point to learn everything he could about the young, Mishka Sakar. Many did not know of her real abilities and he kept her secrets as if they were his own. After working alongside her these many years, he knew her reaction to any given situation. Hearing about the wounded children, Hawk knew that his commander was seething for blood. She wanted to kill Halmand with her bare hands, that much was clear in her eyes as she had reported to him just moments ago. “Captain.” He called out softly, aware the Imperial family was watching him covertly. “Send a message.” “Sire?” the captain stood ready by his shoulder. 9

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“Reiterate to the Commander that Halmand will be alive when we arrive. I expect the order to be obeyed.” His soft voice hid a steel interior that expected his orders to be obeyed without question. “Yes Sire.” The captain snapped a salute to him and turned to quickly relay the order. “I do not think I remember Commander Sakar, Grayson.” Elaine, the Imperial consort watched him, her mouth curved in a soft smile. Her hand idly played up and down her Emperor’s thigh. “I have had her working the rim for the past few cycles. With so much inactivity out in the rim sectors, I felt she needed a change from the norm, and selected her for this mission.” His grin widened, and he broke out into laughter, “I know she relished the opportunity to release some tension.” “She is very pretty.” The tone in her voice sent a warning shiver down Hawk’s spine. “A very intricate tattoo on her back. Maybe she should take some vacation time at the capitol?” She looked up at the Emperor questioningly. “I do not think that would be a good idea, my Emperor.” Hawk snapped, his eyes going dark. Anyone who knew him would take it as the warning it was, but Elaine was too stupid to realize it. “And why not?” Elaine pouted. She slumped further into the Emperor’s side, stroking his chest with her free hand. “Because Commander Mishka Sakar is a Cormidion.” Glaring at the woman with open hostility he continued, ignoring the arched look from the Emperor. “I do not think you could keep up with her.” He watched as Elaine paled and he smiled in dark relief. His eyes remained deadly as he pondered the consort, before raising his eyes to meet that of the Emperor. What he saw there confirmed his suspicions. The current consort would be on her way out in a few weeks if not months. The emperor eyed Elaine with disgust, and grabbing her hand in a brutal grip, flung it away from him. One of his attendants took that as a sign and gently pulled the consort away from the Emperor. It wasn’t that the Emperor was malicious or even jaded. It was simply that the Emperor Karvon didn’t take lightly to users and it seemed that Elaine was a user of the highest level. He ignored the way the consort’s eyes filmed over prettily with tears, her lower lip trembling, seeing it for the act it was. Elaine glared at the Emperor behind his back as the attendants closed in on her. Hawk noticed the glint in her eye as he willed her to face him and gave her a silent warning. Stop or pay the consequences. 10

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“Hawk, when we arrive, I want the family taken to quarters.” Karvon murmured, looking after the departing Elaine, who was now crying pitifully, knowing it was an act and refusing to play her games. Both his sons watched the departing woman with disgust. “I think we need to send the Imperial Consort back home. Secure one of our shuttles to take her back along with an escort.” “Of course.” Hawk smiled gently, hiding his relief. He waved a hand to one of his immediate soldiers. “See that it is done.” **** Elaine seethed as the servants kept a gentle, but firm, hold on her until she was inside her quarters. Once behind the door, they released her and remained in front of the doors. For a few moments she stood in the middle of the main room, her anger rising. Treat me like that will he? She hissed in the quiet of her mind, chaos roiled up and her eyes snapped like sapphire heat. I’ve come too far now to be tossed aside like yesterdays pet. I am the Imperial Consort by the goddess! As the anger boiled over, she stormed into her sleeping chamber, and immediately began to throw whatever sat within reach. Power boxes were flung against the wall leaving a dust cloud hovering over the floor. Boxes that contained her ceremonial jewelry were thrown as well, glittering jewels spilling out all over the place. Her inarticulate cries of rage rose with the swell of her anger as she smashed the mirror and took a blade to her wall hangings. Finally the servants came in, wearing bored, weary expressions. They cornered her and quickly administered a sedative to her, leaving her groggy but calm. Setting the room to rights once again, they put her in the bed and sent a report to Karvon. There was a growing list of grievances against the current consort and this just added to them. Each looked at the other with the same expression. This one would not last long in the Imperial chamber.

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Chapter Two

When they were alone once more, after dismissing his servants and the other women, Emperor Karvon spoke. “Tell me more about this paragon of a female commander. Cormidion you say?” His eyes perked with interest, as did his sons. “The Cormidion’s, as you know, reside on the last planet in our empire. There are very few of them left, and we have extended all support to the people there. It is a feudal system, in that females are married to a higher caste, or servants, either uses most females. Commander Sakar was unlucky enough to have no family, and therefore no caste. When the Empire extended assistance, she was accepted into the military program. Since that day, Mishka has not returned to her home world, nor does she want to.” “What do we know of the Cormidion?” Accessing his personal data files, Karvon searched for all the information on the planet and race. The planet was rich in ore that the empire needed, and the treaty allowed them to mine the minerals and ore, and at the same time assist the people in repopulating their planet. The large planet was covered with thick clouds the color of ripe peaches, a blending of red and orange. “Big planet.” Reading the reports on the list of exports the planet managed to send to the Empire. “We have a large amount of exports coming from them. What about imports? What are we doing to help the Cormidion?” A frown formed as Karvon looked for the imports to the planet to fulfill the aide to the natives. “We supply military training for them,” Hawk began, his eyes moving over the reports, “as well as agricultural training. Several scientists are on hand to survey the planetary wild life as well as the custom of the Cormidion. Did you know that by age ten, any Cormidion is able to track and kill the animals on the planet? When they bring back their first kill it is divided up among the elderly who have no one to care for them and the rest is preserved for their winters.” Hawk settled further into the chair, watching the Emperor. “Commander Sakar killed one of the larger beasts by herself, with no one to aid her. She tracked the beast for fourteen days, without sleep or food I am told, and managed to bring the beast down with only her dagger. It was when I read the reports on her that I decided to have her in advanced training. “ 12

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“I look forward to meeting with this paragon.” Karvon murmured, impressed. “She has an impressive record with the military.” Hawk shrugged his shoulders, taking a sip of his ale, choosing to remain quiet. Despite the hardening of his cock beneath his uniform. It took the combined years of training just to keep the others from noticing. It had taken months of dedicated work to shield his thoughts from everyone when the woman was in the room with him. Even the few moments looking at her while she was taking a bath, did nothing to ease the ache in his cock, and only intensified his feelings. There were nights that he would dream of her wrapping those long legs around his waist as he drove into her hot channel until she climaxed, screaming around him. The look of her in the water just hours ago, with foamy suds falling down her arm to caress the side of her breast as she watched him from over her shoulder, she knew he wanted her and enjoyed tormenting him for it. She had been only fifteen when she had petitioned to join the ranks of the military, much too young for him at the time. Now ten years later, she had a hardened body, rippling with muscles. He ached to pull her up by her hair and plunder that mouth until she mewled under him, fighting to get closer. That was one reason he had shipped her out to the rim of their borders. The further away, the better for him at the time. Now with her so close, he would use whatever means necessary to stay away from her. Sighing, Hawk eased his head back and pondered the ceiling. When that didn’t work, he closed his eyes, only to see the picture of Mishka wet and silky in the water, her eyes burning into his, a sultry expression on her heart-shaped face as she soaped her body. In his imagination her head would fall back as she ran the sponge over her breast, nipples hard and peaked rosy-tipped as she moaned in sweet abandon. Oh yeah, his mouth dried just seeing her nipples begging to be teased and suckled by his mouth and laved by his tongue. A groan tried to work its way out of his throat as he clenched his teeth. Unable to stop the scene from playing over and over in his mind, he remembered the way her back arched as she came up out of the water to wet her hair. The soap she used trailed from those long strands down her back to curve over the firm muscles of her ass and into the water. He could tell she had stood up during the report because the bath looked deep enough that if she sat, she would be submerged in the hot water up to her neck. The sound of a throat clearing had Hawk jack-knifing up in his chair to stare bewildered at the three men opposite him. A flush stained his ears but other than that he made no other outward sign of his discomfort at being caught fantasizing about the lovely 13

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commander. Karvon smiled slightly, a knowing look in his eye, and motioned to the waiting steward with their meal. **** Mishka rose early, hours before the changing of the guard. Even with the prisoners bedded down, everything was quiet. There was an air of tension around her as she pulled on fresh pants and top and then layered her armor over them, before slipping on her boots. Word had just been received that the shuttle carrying the Emperor and Lord Grayson would be arriving within the hour. Braiding her hair in its usual style, she picked up her whip and secured her room before moving quietly into the hallway. Her first destination was the communications room where her technicians had been working all night to crack the coding on the system. So far her reports stated that they had unlocked only five of the fourteen levels of security on the computer system. Unfortunately, the only one who had all the codes was Halmand, and she had received strict orders that she was not to touch the man until Grayson arrived on the station. That order burned her more than any other given in the past ten years. Swallowing down her pride and anger, she turned away from the intersection leading to the lift that would lower her into the bowels of the station and to her prisoner. Hesitating beside the door leading to the makeshift infirmary, Mishka decided to take one last look at the wounded to make sure that everyone was getting the treatment they needed. There only critical case was a foot soldier, one of her own, the fact that he was Cormidion added to the insult. Walking into the room set aside for her own men, she spotted only a few of the thirty-three men that had been wounded. The healer reported that twenty had only superficial wounds and had been treated and released. Now only thirteen remained, including the only critical case. Slowly she walked along the lines of beds, not pallets on the floor, but beds she had moved in for her men. Taking the time, she stopped by each man or woman, saying a few words, asking if they required anything else to make their stay easier on them. Finally, she settled at the end of the room, where there was a curtain around the bed. Inside the cubbyhole was one soldier, a Cormidion like her. “Soldier.” Keeping her voice low upon seeing that his eyes were closed, she lowered herself to her knees beside the bed, her gloved hand curved gently around the lax hand lying over the covers. What was visible under the bandages that covered part of his face and chest sparked recognition in Mishka. This young soldier was no more than seven years younger than herself. He was also of the same clan. This revelation was like a knife digging deep into her heart. Unknowingly, she growled deep in her throat. 14

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Unseeing, her eyes began to burn and the colors shifted within the iris of those strange red/brown orbs. “Cadal.” Her nose brushed his hair as she inhaled the familiar scent of her people. “Hear me Cadal.” Longing rose up in her soul as she smelled her people. She felt the young man shift slightly below her and she pulled back, looking upon his face. Slowly his eye fluttered open and she could see the drugs, pumped into his system, still taking hold of him. Mishka tightened her hold on his hand and willed her strength into him, as if by holding his hand she could heal him more quickly than the healers could. “M-m-Mishka.” His voice cracked weakly, almost too soft for her to hear so she leaned in closer to him, her nose almost touching his. Her eyes burned into his as she reverted to her native Cormidion language. “How are you my brother?” she forced the anger at his wounds deep into the pit of her soul, gently straightening his blankets over his bandaged chest. “Is there anything I may get you to ease your pain?” “N—nothing, Lady.” He tried to maintain the visage that all in her service held. A tear leaked out of his undamaged eye as he locked his eye and hand around hers. “I will be fine. The healer has told me this. They h--have taken my eye but I am still able to contribute to my post.” He swallowed painfully, only to end up coughing. Mishka held his shoulders as gently as she could until the cough subsided. “I am sure you will be, Cadal. I order you to take the time you need to heal. I do not want to see your face until the healers confirm you are one hundred percent. Is that understood?” She forced her voice into military precision, hiding her anguish over his wounds. Her tone seemed to calm Cadal, and he settled deeper into the bedding, closing his eye and let out a relieved sigh. She gently patted his hand and stood to leave. It was then that she saw one of the healers, calmly waiting for her to finish with her visit. Motioning to the healer, she moved further away from the curtain. “I want hourly progress reports on Cadal.” Facing the healer, she ignored the stunned expression that fell over his face. She was close to losing control and she wanted to be out of here before she let loose. “I want priority to my soldiers before anything else, is that understood?” Moving closer a step, she crowded the man into the curtain, looking into his eyes, making her anger known. The healer tried to ease away from her, but she only lowered her brows and growled at him. At this point the other soldiers, lying in the cots beyond the curtain understood her tone and averted their eyes away from the commander. It was well known that the 15

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commander cared for her men with the same code. There was no favoritism, but when one was injured, she did all she could to make sure he or she had the best care. Finally the healer just moved cautiously around Mishka and entered the curtain. It would take a few days, but Mishka was positive that the healers would make sure that her men survived. Turning on her heel, Mishka ignored the looks that were being cast her way and moved back out into the hall. Now, instead of moving back towards the communications room where she had been heading to begin with, she turned the opposite way and moved towards the main doors to the complex. Rayce stood in the main hall watching the rigid set of her shoulders as she moved towards the double doors. Years ago he had gone through training with Mishka. Being from the same clan but not of the same caste, he had been older by seven years when he joined the Empires military forces. His eyes roiled a deep forest green and mossy color swirling together, brought on by the emotional feedback coming from Mishka. He could smell the anger coming off her in waves, the scent of Cormidion Mountain when it exploded, a charred boiling smell. Any of the Cormidion in the complex would well be able to smell the stench and know what the reason behind it was. Hesitating, he watched as the doors slammed closed. One part of him said to follow her before she injured herself, the other agreed with her anger and wanted to follow their teachings and perform a ritual hunt. The only problem was the one they would hunt would be Halmand, and the orders from Lord Grayson, forbid any harm to come to the man before the interrogators arrived. A growl worked its way up his throat surprising several of the human soldiers moving round them. There would be a hunt, he swore silently, gritting his teeth, he moved to the main doors leading out into the fresh air. He saw the shuttle landing on the pad among the other craft able to land. Lord Grayson had arrived. Sighing, he looked around for the commander, but of course she had disappeared. Instead of searching for her, he turned and with a swirl of his cape, made his way to the landing shuttle. He had a bad feeling about what was to come, but wasn’t willing to put a name to what might lay ahead as of yet.

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Chapter Three

Hawk strode down the ramp, followed by the Emperor’s elite guard, followed by the Emperor and his sons. “Where is the Commander?” Hawk narrowed his eyes at Rayce. “She went to visit the critical patient.” Rayce said in a deadpan, as if that explained everything. “And?” Hawk snapped, looking around the demolished walls surrounding the complex. “Well,” Rayce hesitated and moved in closer, speaking in a softer tone, “Mishka didn’t take it well. She stormed off and I can’t find her. Since she couldn’t kill Halmand herself on your orders, I think she went to kill something else.” A light in his eyes told Grayson not to press matters at this time. There would be time for an update later. Leading the way into the complex, Hawk motioned for Rayce to come along. Rayce was like Mishka, both Cormidion, but in Rayce’s case he had been accepted within his clan and sect. The Sect Elder had petitioned for Rayce’s placement within the military personally. Since the day Hawk had brought the man into Mishka’s team, he’d recognized it as the right thing to do. Rayce seemed to temper Mishka when she was about to blow up in a rage. “Let’s start with the prisoners.” Hawk thrust thoughts about Mishka out of his mind for the time being. It wouldn’t do to have his mind on his commander when he needed to get information out of the prisoners about the slavery they were dealing in on this rock. **** Mishka stormed through the forest slapping at vines and trees, the wood snapping under the force of her anger. For one of her own men to be critically injured was one thing, but it hit too close to home when it was one of her own people. Cadal had only been in her service for just under a year. He still had a long way to grow within the ranks of her elite squad, but he was making great strides in his training. For years she had obeyed her superior, Hawk, going where told, and performing each order to the letter. She had been grateful for the opportunity to prove her usefulness 17

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to the Empire when they had come and asked for volunteers from the Cormidion’s. She remembered it as if it was yesterday; she had been a gangly fifteen, almost feral in her anger against the clans who refused to shelter her. She had been a Kaijist. None in any of the clans was willing to claim her as their own, but she was still allowed to walk among the people. She was a shadow. They saw her, but didn’t see her. When Lord Hawk Grayson had landed with a contingent of scientists and military personnel, she had taken one look at him and saw his strength and the power moving through his eyes. He had stepped off the transport, without armor, but well armed. His long gray hair touched his shoulder blades at the back, and falling over his forehead, shielding his eyes to her view until a breeze moved them out of the way, showing the piercing quality of those gray orbs staring over the land. A sound to her right snapped her out of her memories. She whirled toward the sound only to see nothing out of the ordinary. Just vines and trees were all around her, but there was a lack of sound from native animals that had her hair rising in a chilling feeling. She had no warning, just a sudden sting of the arrow that sliced into her arm. Looking down she saw the arrow protrude from her bicep, blood gushing from the wound, trailing down her arm in a red trail. Her eyes glowed and she hissed; fangs descending from her gums, as another arrow pierced her left side. With a violent, angry motion, Mishka snapped the arrow extending from her arm and flung the shaft away. An angry bellow echoed through the forest as she turned and began to sprint back toward the complex. Already she could feel her strength waning, but she had to use what speed she had to make it to the safety of her squad. As she ran, she berated herself silently. Only an idiot would enter a hostile forest and expect to say unmolested. The sound of more arrows could be heard behind her as they encountered trees and the underbrush as she passed by. Whoever was behind the attack was quick and had good aim, but Mishka was determined to survive another day. Her breath now came in heavy pants as she used her legs to pump faster, dodging trees and vines. The edge was just in sight as another arrow found its mark in her right thigh. She fell through the perimeter in a tangle of vines, crashing to the ground, grunting at the impact. Digging her hands into the dirt and grass, she picked herself up and stumbled toward the doors. Only a few men were around the perimeter, and as they saw her stumble and fall, the call was raised. Deep inside the complex the blaring alarm was muted to a low vibrating tone. Grayson raised his head and looked at Rayce. The sound of running feet and a banging on the door announced a soldier that was out of breath. 18

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“What is it soldier?” Rayce snapped, taking up his role as sub-commander. “Commander Sakar just returned. She’s been hit!” His eyes were wild as he relayed this news. No one in her unit had ever seen her take a hit. For the news to come so suddenly, it rattled even the most seasoned soldier. Both men raced out of the room and made it to the top floor in record time, bypassing the lift and taking the stairs three at a time. The two of them burst into the main entry to see Mishka writhing on the floor as two healers tried to hold her down to survey her wounds. Three arrows still protruded from various parts of her body, the blood making their work slippery, the light too dim to see. “Get the hell off of me!” she hissed, trying to strike one of the healers who was trying to extract one of the arrows from her thigh. “Get a unit out into that forest and track down the attackers.” She growled, gritting her teeth to staunch the cry she wanted to release. “Let them work, Commander.” Hawk snapped, moving into position at her feet and grabbing hold of her legs, his hands tightening painfully to hold them down to the floor. Rayce moved around to her head, kneeling on the floor, his knees digging into her shoulders and neck, bracketing her head. His hands forced her shoulders to the floor and kept her still. Mishka’s eyes locked with Rayce’s, both sets swirling back and forth at each other. The sight of her lying on the ground, covered in blood and writhing in pain was almost more than Rayce could bear. Always he had seen her on her feet in battle, never flinching from wounds that were inflicted. “Check for poison.” He said through clenched teeth. There was only one way she would be writhing now and that is if there was something on the arrow tips that would cause enough pain for her to collapse. The healers made quick work, removing her light armor and ripping the fabric around the wounds. They all clucked under their breath as they examined the increasingly reddening wounds. The blood had slowed to a thin stream, telling them that the wound was closing fast around the shafts still stuck through her body. Mishka thrashed, even in the hold of both strong warriors determined to hold her still for the healers to work. She growled and hissed at Rayce as he tightened his rock hard thighs around her head, pinning her hair under his knees, his callused hands pressing against her wrists as he pinned them to the floor. Rayce leaned in close, keeping eye contact with her as he bent forward. “Let the healers do their work, Mishka.” His voice was low and throaty as he growled out the words, his fangs slipping down through his lips as he used all of his strength to keep her still. 19

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Already, Mishka could feel the poison working through her system. Since she wasn’t human as the others in her command, the poison reacted differently. For a human it may have killed them, or may not have depending on what the agents that were used. Mishka felt her muscles seize as she tried to arch out of the tormenting hold of both warriors. A high keening wail escaped her throat as her eyes rolled back in her head, her lashes fluttered as she fought to keep her eyes open, to remain conscious. Just when she thought she had succeeded in controlling the pain, a new and more powerful wave of pain flowed through her side, swarming over her like a tidal wave of intense agony. She slumped in a dead faint, all of her muscles releasing at once, causing both men to shout her name. Hawk looked at the healer, eyes blazing, fighting the overwhelming terror that seized his being at the thought of losing the woman under him. He locked eyes with Rayce and saw the same emotions that he was sure mirrored in his own. “She still lives.” He barely heard Rayce’s soft comment as the man lowered his head, his dark hair falling to cover his face. It was almost as if he felt defeated, in the pose the man was now slumped in, over Mishka’s head. Hawk watched as Rayce released one of her hands and gently traced her flushed cheek. He could see her chest rise and fall with her agitated breathing, even unconscious as she was, she looked so still, so weak. It took a moment for the words of the healer to penetrate his hearing, over the pounding of his heart. “We can move her now, my lord Grayson.” The healer touched his arm gently, calming thoughts flowed over Hawk, relaxing his hold and soothing his emotions. “We will analyze the poison and have a treatment within the hour, my lord.” Not trusting his voice, Hawk simply nodded and moved back as the healers lifted Mishka onto the automated pallet to take her back to her quarters. Rayce stood beside him, and they watched as the woman they had both come to care for so deeply being carried to her room. Her limp hand dangled off the litter, bobbing slightly with the sway of their movements down the hall. Silence reigned until she moved out of sight, then the soldiers remembered their duties and doubled their efforts. No one said a word but carried on with their assignments. “I want every stone unturned, every tree cut down, every vine pulled out by its roots. Find the people responsible for this Rayce, or by the Goddess I will blow this planet apart before I’m done here.” Hawk growled, his eyes still on the door that had closed behind his commander. 20

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“With pleasure, my lord.” Rayce snarled, his eyes swirling with emotion as he barked out orders. With a swirl of his cape, he turned and stormed out the doors. The sound of steel rang against the stone steps as the soldiers poured out of the keep. Two squads were set to searching the forest. Personal shields were distributed in case their unseen enemy was ready with more arrows, were deployed to each soldier before entering the forest. Within two hours they had managed to capture seventeen of the culprits responsible for bringing down their commander. It was just coincidence that only seven made it out of the forest alive. Chained and beaten, they were carried out by their feet, their back, arms and head dragging along the ground, the returning soldiers made sure they hit every rock and stump along the way to add to the bruises accumulated during their capture. Rayce smiled grimly as they were brought to the prison below. Already the Emperor’s interrogator was hard at work, and the screams of the previous interrogations could be heard echoing through the halls. The seven new prisoners blanched at the sounds but remained silent as they were thrown into separate cells to await sentence. “Keep an eye on them. I am going to report to Lord Grayson.” Rayce snapped out, his temper cooling now that they returned. He wanted to know how Mishka was doing, if the poison had grown worse, or if she rested comfortably now. Upstairs, Rayce’s boots fell heavily on the flooring, the echoes ringing through the hall. One of the newer soldiers to the squad scrambled up, his eyes nervous as he approached Rayce. “Sir?” his voice broke with nervous tension. “Is the commander going to be all right?” Rayce just looked at him a moment, then his lip curled, “You have any doubts about our commander?” he sneered, all the while his insides clenched at the thought of losing Mishka. For the last ten years they had worked side by side, planning every encounter, eating in the mess hall with the other men and women of her squad. He knew her likes, and her dislikes. He knew that she had a twitch just there by her right eye when she was nervous. He knew about the terrors that she fought in her sleep even when she didn’t voice them out loud. At the same time, Mishka knew all of his quirks, too. The way he meditated every morning for an hour before the small stone waterfall he had installed in his room. She knew about the chocolates he squirreled away in his room that he ate when he had a bad night. So man things they knew about each other that were second nature and never talked about in the light of day. To lose that now would crush him in the worst way. 21

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“No sir!” the soldier stammered out, backing away quickly to resume his duties as Rayce continued down the hall, growling under his breath. Reaching Mishka’s room, he entered without knocking and closed the door behind him just as his cape cleared the door. Hawk was sitting there by the bed, staring moodily into the fire that had been set in the fireplace. The flames were almost hypnotizing even as they made the room cozily warm. “My lord Grayson.” Rayce nodded before taking one of the other chairs and placing it on the other side of the bed. Mishka was lying under the blankets, a fine sheen of sweat covering her chest and arms. Her head moved restlessly as she fought the delirium that had grabbed a hold of her. Rayce reached out quietly and grabbed her hand in a gentle grip. At once her thrashing stilled but her breathing was still labored. Her eyes opened just a bit and she turned her head and looked at him. “Did you get them?” Her voice scratchy and weak, but she tightened her hand fractionally. Rayce looked from her, then turning only his head, he met the eyes of his Lord. “Yes.” He lowered his head fractionally, “We found a total of seventeen. But somehow only seven made it to the compound and into a cell below.” He shrugged, “Our men were a little bit too zealous in their want to capture all of the traitors.” Hawk managed to cover the satisfied smile that wanted to spread across his mouth. He managed to suppress it long enough to bring up his hand, but couldn’t staunch the unholy glee that filled his gray-blue eyes as they met Rayce’s. “Good we will start on them after we work on the command crew of the base. Commander, you are hereby ordered to stay here until you are better.” He leaned his elbows on the edge of the bed and leaned closer to her. His full lips pressed into a tight line, as he looked her over. “The healers say the poison will run its course, it won’t kill you, with your Cormidion blood, but it will cause some nasty days to come. I will be back in a few hours. Rayce give me a moment with her if you would.” His eyes met Rayce’s fully. It was at that moment that both men knew their feelings for their Commander. Panic, resolve, passion, each emotion blazed equally for both to see. Rayce nodded quietly and left the room, closing the door behind him. Hawk knew that he wouldn’t go far and was grateful for the moments alone with Mishka. Gently, he pulled her hand into his. “You gave me a scare.” His eyes blazed for a moment, and Mishka’s breath caught in her chest at the sight of his face so close to hers. “I was stupid.” She muttered hoarsely. “A rookie mistake going into the forest alone without a team. I was angry.” She tried to turn her eyes away from those that seemed to see everything, but felt helpless to move. She wanted so much to be close to 22

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this man, and now that she had him there, she had no strength to do anything about it. Weakly, she brought up her other hand and with her fingertips traced his cheekbones, which stood out in sharp relief in the fires glow. His gray eyes held hers as she moved to his lips, tracing the contours. At the touch of her hand on his face, Hawk wanted to lean into her and close his eyes, to savor the touch. Still, he retained eye contact for a moment more before violently gathering her in his arms and crushing her to his broad chest. Her nose pushed into his neck and was surrounded by his long gray hair. At one time she thought that he was an elder, because of that hair. But then she learned that all in his family were born with that color hair. It was a genetic trait passed on from father to son. She savored the feel of those strong arms holding her as if she were spun glass, so delicate that she might shatter at the least fumbling. “I am all right.” She murmured huskily, her arms trying to hold on to him, but too weak to manage the simple feat. At her words, he tightened his hold and started to tremble. “Hawk. There will come a day that I am put into the ground. But that day is not close and I will be put into the ground when I am old and no longer of any use to anyone.” She felt him ease her back a bit his eyes open on hers. She saw the emotion in those deep pools of gray. A small smile curved her lips as she raised a hand to his cheek. “It always amazes me.” She murmured. “What?” his voice equally soft in the hush. His eyes devoured every nuance of her face, each expression that flitted over that heart-shaped face, beneath her black curls. “The warriors on my home world are such strong, stoic people. No emotion, no caring. I was thrown out of my clan because I had no one to care for me. But you, who are superior to any warrior I have ever seen, the thought of you showing such emotion is confusing to me.” She closed her eyes as weakness overtook her. She could feel his arms tightening fractionally before he lowered her to the pillow beneath her head. “Even now you show such emotions. I should not matter in the scheme of things to come. You are important. You are the Lord of all the armies. But if I were to fall, it would be Rayce who would take my place as commander.” “You will not talk of this.” Hawk’s voice was harsh with suppressed emotion. “I am human, not Cormidion. We humans are full of emotion and show it often. You are just as important as I am in the scheme of things right now. And just because Cormidion warriors suppress there emotions does not mean they do not have them. Speak to Rayce if you don’t believe me. For now, you will concentrate on getting better so that I can beat you soundly for taking such risks.” A joke, she realized. He was attempting humor to cover up his worry for her. 23

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“If you were to beat me, as you put it, wouldn’t I end back up here to recover once more?” she teased weakly, perspiration flowed down her temple as she struggled to remain conscious. His face kept blurring in and out of her eyesight. Hawk saw the struggle, and gently moved a hand over her eyes, “Sleep for now, Mishka. One of us will be here when you wake. Relax and let your body heal.” He smoothed the heavy blankets over her, tucking her in as if she were a child instead of a grown woman. When he stood, the door silently opened and Rayce stood there. Immediately he saw the man’s gaze land on the now sleeping Mishka. “I am going to the interrogation. Send word if there is any change in her condition.” Hawk said softly to Rayce as he passed through the doorway. As he stood beside Rayce, he put his hand on the man’s shoulder. “She will pull through Rayce, make no mistake. It will take some time, but she will recover.” Rayce remained silent but nodded, allowing his eyes to close in relief. He heard the door close behind him before he moved to the bed to take the recently vacated seat. Losing his cape and taking off his armor while Hawk was inside, he now sat in simple shirt and pants. His muscles bulged under his shirt as he clenched his hands, helpless to fight the emotion. Gently holding her hand once more, Rayce whispered harshly, “Thank the goddess.” Over and over again, he repeated his prayer to the goddess for her healing the one person who meant anything to him in the whole universe.

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Chapter Four

The next morning Mishka awoke to find Rayce slumped over the bed, his head resting on his arms in the traditional manner of a Cormidion warrior. In his right hand he held the small traditional dagger, ready to defend her as she slept. His tawny hair, streaked with darker brown fell around his head and shoulders in disarray. She could see the lashes of his eyes as they lay against his skin. Rayce had been by her side for the last ten years, to have him here in her room was not out of the ordinary for her. Quietly as possible, Mishka stretched, her back arched, head thrown back as she took mental stock of aches and pains. Beside her she felt Rayce shift, but still enjoying the feel of her muscles stretching beneath the cool cotton sheets surrounding her overheated skin was bliss. The fire kept the room at a comfortable temperature, but with the fever raging through her body, the room felt like an oven. “How are you feeling Mishka?” Rayce’s voice was deep from sleep, scratchy and oh so sexy. Mishka felt a tremble move through her at the sound of his voice. The feeling of his body so close to hers as he moved his hand closer, as if to touch her arm but he moved away as she settled back against the pillow. The slumberous look in her eyes, with her hair falling about her face in a black inky cloud, caused her to look sexily rumpled. The flush to her cheeks told him that she was still feverish. Reaching out slowly, so as not to startle her, Rayce ran a calloused hand up the smooth hot skin of her arm. He felt scorched by the heat emanating from her caused by the poison roiling through her system. “You are burning up.” He hissed, his eyes deepening to feline green. A deep growl seemed to grow in his chest as he grabbed a cloth and wet it in the fresh water from the bowl she had not seen. As he placed the cloth on her skin she arched, a hiss of breath through her teeth before she began a rumbling purr. Little twitches and arching of her neck told Rayce that she enjoyed the cool feel of the cloth against her skin. Never before had anyone done this for her. Even as a child of six summers, she remembered wandering from tree to tree, watching the mothers tend to their children in the village, while she alone remained motherless. The scrapes and tears in her clothing were mended on her own. The nightmares she had in her sleep were still there not 25

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banished by her mothers soothing voice. It wasn’t until she had proven herself as a warrior that she had been given a home of her own, to be kept by her, and filled with food that she gathered for herself. Rayce remembered her as a child, always looking lost and forlorn until she had taken her warrior quest and killed a beast alone without any help from any of the other young men and women who usually hunted in groups. He had been a warrior for a few years when she had taken her own quest. Following her, on the lookout for any trouble, he had watched as she caught the scent, her keen sense of smell allowing her to follow the Acha beast for four days through the forest, never stopping for sleep or food. He guessed it was due to the times when she was younger and did not have food for herself. He watched as she crouched on the tree limb some fifteen feet above the ground and watched the Acha beast lumber under her. When his neck was below her, she jumped, giving a mighty hiss for her size, and burrowed her knife deep into his neck, slicing veins and tendons as she went. Blood had gushed over her hands but she managed to maintain her seat by digging her knees into the sides of the Acha Beast as he raised his head in a final battle for survival. Even as he bled out he tried to unseat her. Her lips had peeled back into a snarl as she repeatedly dug her knife deep into its neck, trying to locate its heart. The chest cavity exposed, she added her other hand to the work, and set about ripping out muscle and tendon through the backbone to reach the massive organ that pumped more blood through the twenty-foot mammoth. For a small female it was exceptional for her to be able to bring down the beast. As the Acha gave one last bellow, it fell to the ground, eyes rolling, its chest rattling with the death throes. She stood beside it for a moment, her chest heaving from her exertion. When he’d approached, she whirled on him, almost feral in her defense of her kill. Raising his hands to show he was unarmed he said softly, “I acknowledge you as warrior Mishka.” He bowed in the traditional manner, and offered to help her dress her kill. Still covered in the gore and blood of the Acha beast, she nodded silently to him, allowing his help when he knew she could have provided for herself. Even as she dragged the beast through the jungle on the prepared sled, people gathered at the edge of the village to see the first of the new warriors return with their kill. Hers was the biggest that day, and she was more than happy to share her kill with the elderly of the village as well as the widowed. There was more than enough for her own use, and she showed her honor in sharing with those who had little or none. She had earned Rayce’s respect that day. He had witnessed first hand her courage and honor, unlike some of the other young men and women who had no honor. Many of 26

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those younger warriors had banded together to try to find the largest animal, kill it and hoard the food for themselves. Mishka allowed all of those who needed the food access to the carcass. Nothing was wasted. The bones were used for ceremonial weapons, or for stock for stews. The hide was stretched and dried to make new clothes for her. A widow, who was one of the village cloth makers, had insisted on making winter wear for her since she had graciously shared the meat. That winter the village was stocked fully with provisions thanks to Mishka’s kill and her honor. Many families had more, but the food was of poor quality. During the winters, the weather often killed those who were alone, or weak with age. Because of her sacrifice, there were no deaths that winter. Mishka assisted those who had no one, repairing walls, or roofs that leaked the wet into the house, that could cause the wasting disease in the chest of the elderly or extremely young. In return, many would supply wood or blankets for her use. No one would say anything, but the items would show up on her doorstep in the early morning, shadows running away, unseen by the watchers. Even Rayce had taken to watching her as she trained, or helped those who needed it. Looking back, Rayce should have stepped in with the ruling council of the village when they had cast her aside and labeled her Kaijist, or shadow walker. But he was not a warrior at the time, and had no voice. When she had become a warrior, they lifted the Kaijist and allowed her once more to be heard within the village. But even with the raising, things did not change the feelings of many of the village families. Still they shunned her, even outright ridiculed her during village meetings. She retained her honor among the village and acted in a just manner, ignoring those words from those who tried to belittle her, or reject her, Mishka showed she was Kaival, valued and just one of the village. They could not cast her back into Kaijist now. Rayce remembered grinning when she was awarded this honor and made it a point to say that he had the honor of witnessing her hunt. When asked to verify, Mishka merely said, “The honor was mine that a warrior such as Rayce sought to my well-being.” She had given him a high honor that day, as she bowed, her knees in the dirt, her head touching the fisted hands on the ground before her, her back straight and proud, she a warrior had bowed to him. Even now the memories of that time came back to him. He ran the cloth up her arms, and thought about her integrity and fierce strength. He had no doubt that she would expel the toxins in her system and she would come out of this sickness all the more powerful because of it. 27

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Mishka had resumed her sleep, her breathing more easy as he adjusted the blankets around her so he could wipe down her chest. Still a slight purr filled her throat, making him smile softly. Every Cormidion had that one spot that brought the purr. Hers, he learned just recently, was a spot on her neck, just a few inches below her ear. When stroked, she would give a rumbling purr that could be heard throughout the room. He imagined running his tongue along that spot. Feeling the vibrations against his lips as he nibbled and licked her skin, absorbing each sensation and tasting each flavor. Smiling slightly he settled back into the chair and continued to watch her. With her face relaxed in a gentle healing sleep she looked softer, more approachable. He knew that when she was back to fighting strength she would be back to her cool self. Nothing seemed to faze her, taking each obstacle in stride. There was a whisper of breeze before the door opened. Rayce had the blade in his hand, crouched over his Commander, teeth barred, before the door swung fully open. Only when he saw Lord Grayson standing there, did he relax his guard. “How is the patient?” Hawk said softly as he moved into the room, closing the door, his gray hair shifting in a gentle sway as he moved. Even Rayce had to admit that the man had a pull to him. “She woke up for a few minutes, and just now went back to sleep. She seemed better, but still very hot, even for a Cormidion.” He shrugged and eased back cautiously into the chair. “How is the interrogation going below?” A gleam entered Hawk’s eyes as he smiled coldly, “The computers access codes are ours. Every mine on the planet, every building, every landing pad, they are ours. The Emperor is enjoying himself below with his pet interrogator, and I have teams striking out to the closest targets now.” He poured himself a glass of ale and settled into the other chair. There was silence for a long while, each pondering different things but still had their eyes on one subject, seeming to delay the inevitable. Finally Rayce seemed to gather his courage and raised his eyes to Hawk’s. “You know.” He said softly. “I do.” Hawk smiled benignly, “It was not hard to guess Captain. You have had ample opportunity to leave her service anytime over the last ten years, but still you remain constantly at her side. If it were any other, I might think you were warning me off.” “Mishka can make her own decisions, my lord.” Rayce growled. “I would not stand in her way if she were to choose you.” He paused, “But she hasn’t, has she?” “Not in so many words. Still she has not chosen one over the other. Until she does, either of us is still in the running.” Hawk raised his mug to him silently. 28

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Rayce fell into a deep silence, as if pondering if he should give out vital information or not. “You don’t know much about Cormidion society do you?” he said softly, as if thinking to himself aloud. Hawk’s eyes sharpened, but he remained silent. “The Cormidion’s are a strange race compared to most. We do not bind ourselves to just one mate. Do you know why?” Rayce watched him his eyes hot, almost burning in their intensity. “I would find it most enlightening.” Hawk drawled sarcastically, knowing Rayce had a secret he was ready to spill. Something told him he wouldn’t like it. “When we first started out, Cormidion’s found the hunting hard and the warriors few. In order for our numbers to grow, the ruling council of each village encouraged our women to accept multiple partners. When one female became pregnant, the males would search out others. It was thought that the more births we had, the more warriors we would have each year. Even today,” he grinned, “our females tend to be aggressive in picking their mates. Sometimes as many as five men are allowed in her bed.” Hawk let the words sink into his mind. What he was suggesting wasn’t that uncommon among most humans, but in some part of his mind, he had always assumed Mishka would be his alone. “Even to this day, a Cormidion will frown on singular partners. It is considered that there is something wrong with the female. Mishka’s own parents were one such couple, according to my mother. That is why she was cast out. Her mother refused to take more than one man to her bed because her father was jealous of any who would touch her.” Rayce turned back to Mishka and placed a hand on her arm, stroking it gently. “It wasn’t her fault, but like all adults of our kind, they place the blame on the whole family, not just the one person. If the one person is wrong, then it stands to their reason that the rest are culpable as well.” Hawk said nothing, but digested this information for a long while. Clear into the night both men sat watching their sleeping beauty, and still each man thought about their dilemma. Hawk thought about what Rayce had said about her being outcast and had no clue as to what she’d had to endure growing up in the village as an outcast. It was clear that whatever happened had made her stronger. **** When Mishka opened her eyes she saw two things that startled her. Still weak as a newborn kitten, she barely had enough strength to open her eyes half way. On either side of her sat both men. Rayce had his arms folded across his massive chest, his hands tucked under his arms, his chin almost touching his chest. Even in sleep, he had a 29

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hardened cast to him. Those muscles, bulging in his arms hardly ever relaxed, his face was gentled by sleep, his eyes closed. Hawk sprawled in a chair, his legs stretched out, one crossed over the other, covered by his uniform black pants and kneed high boots. His hair fell over his chest and crossed arms, hiding his hands from view. If she knew him as well as she thought, he probably held a blade in his hands, hidden by his hair. A startling white shirt, the starched fabric pulled taunt over his arms, and shoulders, covered his chest, almost as muscular as Rayce’s. His chin, like Rayce’s, touched his chest. A strange heat flowed through her as she watched both men. Each one in their way called to her, whispered dark thoughts and begged to free her so she could push them to the ground and strip them bare before her eyes. Hawk seemed a gentle lover, considerate to his partner. There were times though, that she thought she saw something darker in his eyes. A carefully banked heat that cried out for more. Rayce was hard and forceful. At times she wanted his hands on her so badly she made up reasons for them to spar in the training rooms. Just to see his chest gleaming with sweat, breathing heavily with that feral glint in his eyes, it was at those times she wanted to shred her clothes with her claws and pull him on to her. A shudder worked its way through her body as she closed her eyes and tried to think of something else, anything but the thought of their hands on her body, stoking the flames of heat higher and higher. A glass of water sat on the side table, so close, but as she tried to reach for it, it felt leagues away. A whimper worked its way up her throat as she stretched her hand out over the blankets, and still could not work up enough energy to grasp the glass. At the sound of her weak whimper, both men started, and jumped to grab the glass. It was almost comical in their race to see who would grab the glass first. In their haste, the glass tipped over and water sprayed her from head to arms, soaking the blankets covering her. Coughing and sputtering, she glared at them silently, a growl working in her throat barely emerging. Rayce ducked his head and had the grace to mumble a contrite “sorry” before reaching for the pitcher and a fresh glass of water. Hawk merely arched a brow as if to say, ‘what, I was trying to help you’. Weakly, Mishka pushed at the soggy blankets, trying to roll out from underneath the mess, until she realized that she wore nothing beneath the crisp sheets and heavy velvet. Freezing, she looked down at herself as if startled to see the smooth skin. Only a slight pucker of flesh remained of the wound from the arrow to her arm. “Where are my clothes?” She growled, her eyes flashing to each man. 30

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“Well,” Rayce paused, “The healers thought you might be more comfortable without them during the initial healing.” He shrugged. “Get me my clothes.” She snapped, tugging the sodden blankets to her chest as she started to shiver. “Stand down Commander.” Hawk snapped, taking the initiative and cutting off her objections. “Rayce call someone in to help her up until the bed can be changed, then report to interrogation. We have some prisoners to question.” For the first time, with both men standing up next to the bed, she noticed how close in height they were. She took a calming breath, trying to tamp down on the rise of emotion that boiled within her. She hated being sick and laying here in this bed while the two men who meant more to her than she cared to admit, stood well and able to carry on without her. Growling at her weakened condition, Mishka watched as the two men walked out of the room, effectively ignoring her outburst. Outside the door, Rayce shared a knowledgeable smile with Hawk, knowing the Commander as well as they did, she would attempt to get a pay back once she was back on her feet. Until then, between the two of them, they would manage to keep her out of the loop. “I will meet you down in interrogation in a few minutes, my lord.” Rayce gave an abbreviated bow and walked a short distance away.

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Chapter Five

Mishka barely saw either one of them for the next four days. When she wasn’t sleeping, she was reigning in her temper at her inactivity. The healers informed her that they were under orders to make sure she remained in bed until they deemed her fit to resume her duties. After years of watching her ignore pain and inflict it on the enemy, it gave some of the healer’s great pleasure to delay her leaving the bed. She would growl and yell at them, but an order was an order, especially when it came from Lord Hawk Grayson, their exalted leader over all the military forces. In those four days Rayce had been to see her once. Grinning over her inability to cope with the inactivity, he had stood in the doorway for all of five minutes before she was throwing things at his head. He had left, laughing like a loon over her predicament and telling Hawk in great detail how she was behaving. Hawk had laughed but sent her a stern warning to not stress the healers; they had enough to deal with. “As if I don’t.” she hissed, her fangs dropping, her eyes glowing at the thought of retribution for her imprisonment in the bed. She wasn’t even allowed to look at the reports coming from the royal interrogators. Pounding her fists on the bed didn’t reveal the whole of her discontentment at being confined to the bed. Hawk had left instructions, in which the healers had gleefully parted to her, that she was to be tied to the bed if she didn’t follow orders. Now on the Fifth day, Angorn, the Emperors healer stood over her, scowling at her, “You are healing Commander, no thanks to the terror you have been raining down on my people.” “Your people are irritating!” She growled, her arms folded over her chest as she glared at the other three lower healers in the room. They had taken a step away from the bed but still grinned. There was only one word for the look on her face. Pouting. Her luscious lips were turned down pitifully in a pout as she huffed. “I should have been out of this bed two days ago, dammit.” She said spitefully, “If your healers were such as wonderful and as powerful as you all claim, then I could have been up and out of here long ago.” 32

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“Commander,” Angorn said warningly, a spark lit his old eyes, “My healers are top rate. You should be thankful they had the time to heal you, with all the punishment you inflict on them, I’m amazed that any of my healers are willing to work for your teams!” he pointed a finger at her and warned, “I’m allowing you light duty. Two guards are to be with you at all times. No lifting and no training for another week. And don’t even think about working around me and going to Lord Grayson! I have already copied him on my recommendations.” Her amber eyes roiled and everyone stilled at the power that filled the room. “You question my honor?” she said slowly, carefully. Even Angorn swallowed before speaking carefully, “I merely point out that you were hit with a poison that we have very little knowledge on. Knowing you, you would have started training again and the poison would rise up. As it is we gave you two extra days so the poison could work completely out of your system. It will take another week for those wounds to completely heal even with your physiology.” He drew himself up importantly and huffed, “No more of you terrorizing my healers Commander.” The door opened and both Rayce and Hawk entered the room. “Ahh, Angorn seeing to your patient I see.” Hawk said smoothly, ignoring the spark in her eyes as he moved to greet the elderly healer. “I saw your report. Very nicely done. I know the commander is not the best of patients and I thank you for looking her over before she resumes her duties.” Ever the diplomat, his honeyed words flowed over Angorn, defusing his anger in an instant. “Think nothing of it, Lord Grayson.” Angorn was all smiles for him. “It is my honor to serve you and yours. Even if this one is the worst patient I have ever seen. You will have to keep your eyes on her if you want her to obey my recommendations. I warn you she’s planning something. I can tell.” He only partially joked as he motioned to his healers and departed the room. “Mishka.” Hawk sighed as he moved to the bed. “Can’t you be civil to anyone?” Mishka looked up at him through lowered brows. “Get me my clothes and get out.” She said softly, dangerously. She was about to explode, and only her training kept her from lashing out at her superior officer. Rayce tactfully stood out of range of her hands and feet, but Hawk was in striking distance and if he weren’t careful, she would inflict the punishment on him. It was at that moment, with the anger boiling through her mind that she felt the sharp pain at the back of her head, radiating down her spine. Her eyes went sharply slitted, and her claws extended, ripping through the covers as she arched her back. Gritting her teeth, her howl was muffled as she rode out the pain. Both men rushed to 33

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hold her down as she thrashed, her head pounding against the headboard as if to pound out the agony. “Hold her.” Hawk growled as he forced more weight onto her arms and chest. At the sound of her howl, the healers started to rush back into the room. “Get back.” He spat, eyes blazing as he fought her thrashings. Rayce had taken up position on the other side of the bed, holding her arm and shoulder. He watched her face, sweat pouring down her temples into her hair; her eyes clenched shut tightly against the pain. “Mishka.” He murmured. He saw her fangs descend and suddenly her eyes sprang open, causing him to gasp at the sight. Her eyes had changed shape. Now they looked like a feline. The irises elongated and slitted like a cat’s eye. The elder’s tales told of a time when some of their people had been able to shift. It was believed that those who were able to shift carried great power within them. What that power was exactly, no one knew. According to the elder’s no one in any tribe on Cormidion had been able to transform for over a century. The power was thought to have died out because the gods had abandoned them. The eyes were only one of the many markers that spoke of a shifter. Rayce shook his head mentally and discounted the vague story. Something else must be happening, maybe she was having a relapse of the poison. The healers would be able to tell them more. “Get a sedative ready.” He heard Angorn bark out. The needle slid smoothly into her arm and almost immediately her neck relaxed as she slumped against the pillows. Cautiously, Hawk and Rayce released her arms and she curled into a fetal position in the middle of the bed. “I want a full analysis.” Hawk barked, his eyes blazing into Angorn’s. “Something is happening to her. I want her looked over from top to bottom, every test given. I want her to have a clean bill of health before she leaves this room. Send for specialists if you have to.” He paced the side of the room. Rayce still watched her from his position beside the bed. “Did you see her eyes?” Rayce mumbled. “Yes. That isn’t normal for a Cormidion is it?” Angorn finally had something worthwhile to say. Rayce ran a hand through his hair, mussing the tawny strands even more. “Once some of us had the ability to change shape, according to the Elders, those who could shift were believed to have great power. We have long since lost the ability to shift, though no one knows why, the elders say it is due to the gods abandoning us in our time of need.” He turned towards the fire. “I don’t know if I believe everything the elders tell us, but 34

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there are artifacts from long ago that depict us as cats. It could be we have evolved, I don’t know.” He said almost pondering the evidence. “But I do know that what is happening isn’t natural for Mishka.” “All right, everyone out except for my healers.” Angorn huffed, moving to the bed, “I want time alone if I’m to do any testing. Go interrogate someone.” He waved his hands in a shooing manner towards them. “I am going to keep her sedated for the time being, it will make the tests easier to handle without her thrashing around. Send in one of the techs on your way out, Lord Grayson.” “Pushy little bastard isn’t he?” Hawk murmured to Rayce as he shut the door. Both men wore similar worried expressions on their face, but kept their thoughts to themselves. There were other things to worry about while the healers did their work. Walking to the lift they both descended into the bowels of the complex, giving them much needed work to keep their minds off the woman upstairs. **** Mishka floated in a sea of sensation, her eyes remained shut by some unseen force. Even though she tried to force them open telling herself to open her eyes they remained shut. Her smelling had become so acute; she could smell the unwashed bodies some seven levels below her room. She could smell what the cooks were preparing for lunch and dinner. The days blended together in one large blank space in front of her. She could hear everything as well. People passing outside her door muttering to themselves, guard’s boots tapping on the floor, swords clashing in the training yard. Every time either Hawk or Rayce would enter the room, her pulse jumped. The smell of their skin would tantalize her. She could feel them grip her hands and could feel each and every single hair on the back of each broad hand. Every sense, emotion and fear of others was heightened to the point of agony. The healers were in constantly, performing test after test on her, she could hear their discussions as if she wasn’t even in the room. Each time this happened, she felt the anger build once more, and the now familiar pain would spear through the back of her head. It came to the point where every sense blended together, building into a wave that would crash over her, tossing her this way and that, then leaving her to float for a while before building once more. She didn’t know how long she was like this; only that one morning, her eyes opened and Rayce and Hawk had taken identical positions back at her bedside. For a moment she thought she’d dreamed the last few days, her mind playing tricks on her until she realized that Hawk sported several days-worth of growth on his face, the silvery gray beard covering most of his lower face. Weakly, she tried to move 35

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her hands, but they seemed to be weighted down. Looking down at her hands she found them tied to the bed frame with belts secured to the frame. She could only raise her hands a few inches before the belts would hold. A weak growl escaped her throat before she thought to stop it and both sets of eyes popped open, locking onto her. As if in unison, they both leaned forward. Her nose quivered as she inhaled their scents, flinching at the smell of sweat and grime clinging to them and their clothing. “Mishka?” Rayce whispered, his eyes almost disbelieving as he watched her eyes open. There was still a drugged cast to them as she tried to focus on the sound of his voice. “Thirsty.” She whispered, her throat working as she swallowed what moisture she had in her mouth. Her lips were cracked and dry without her tongue to wet them. Grabbing a glass of water, Rayce gently lifted her head up off the pillow, tipping the glass against her lips so she could swallow a sip at a time. “Gently Mishka. You have been out of it for a while. I don’t want you getting sick and throwing it back up.” She gave him a dazed look as she was eased back onto the pillow. “What happened?” “How much do you remember?” Rayce spoke up. Her eyes once more tried to focus but she finally gave up and let her eyes close as she tried to remember. “Anger, pain in my head, floating. Heard voices.” She paused trying to filter through what she did remember. Another shaft of pain hit her head, but more mild than what she had been forced to endure. A soft wince she subsided and lay prone on the bed. “Mishka, you have been out of it for over seven days.” Rayce said hoarsely. His eyes had lost that awed look, now just looked worriedly on her as she tried to remain still. “Your fever spiked the first day and the healers have been working nonstop trying to figure out what is wrong with you.” Hawk grasped her head firmly between his strong hands; she could feel the calluses of his palms rasping gently against her cheeks as he moved her head so he could look directly into her eyes. “How do you feel?” he asked softly. Her lips moved into a semblance of a smile as she tried to joke, “I’m still alive.” “No jokes,” he rasped shaking her head slightly as he moved in closer. “We almost lost you, Mishka. Tell me true, how do you feel? Everything you’re feeling right now.” She frowned slightly as she tried to read what he was trying to say. Opening her senses she closed her eyes and tried to explain. “I can hear the cook arguing with one of the techs in the kitchens. Someone is puking in the outer hall. I can smell something 36

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burning but I’m not sure where it’s coming from. And you two haven’t bathed in a few days and if you don’t move, I’m going to puke on you, too, if you don’t move back.” She opened her eyes with that last statement, breathing through her mouth. It was strange; she could even taste some of what she smelled on her tongue. She tried to sort out which smell went with which taste but her senses kept confusing the two. She could almost taste Hawk’s skin just by his holding her head in her hands, but what she smelled was unwashed bodies. The door opened and she instinctively froze when she saw Angorn walk in followed by two other healers. “Good, our patient is awake. We just received the last round of tests.” He motioned for the healers to set up the vid unit on the table in the corner. “On a hunch, I had some blood drawn and our techs broke down her genetic code, comparing it to Rayce’s code.” Pointing to the two specimens on the screen, he pointed out, “Notice the differences to the sequencing. The one on the left is Rayce’s sample. The one on the right is the Commander’s.” “What is different?” Hawk asked, watching the screen. The sequencing codes kept revolving on the screen, but he began to notice small differences between the two. Unfortunately, they meant nothing to him but different colors. “Apparently, the poison in the Commander’s her system had mutated several of her dormant genes.” Shocked silence met Angorn’s comment. Mishka stared wild-eyed at the Imperial healer, her eyes wide, her skin blanched as she tried to comprehend what he was saying. Seeing that no one really understood what he was talking about, Angorn huffed and folded his arms. A spark of an idea came to his eye as he addressed them, “Okay, think of this. Hundreds of years ago the Cormidion was a different species. Our archives state that at one time there was evidence that some or even all of the Cormidion were able to shift. Over the millennia they evolved, much like humans evolved. Some genes went dormant, never to be used again. The ones that were useless over time because our people became more advanced in their culture, their society. Things like fur that receded because of evolution, or facial features. Perhaps our ancestors had finely honed senses for hunting or tracking. All of this has changed over evolution, enabling us to adapt to a new time, new technology.” He waited to see if the information was being understood. At their nods he continued. “Now this poison, which we are still trying to identify components, unlocked some of her dormant genes and they are now mutating brining those old abilities back on line so to speak. I would say that is why she has increased senses and the fits of rage. Until we are able to identify what has been unlocked and what abilities she has I would suggest the Commander take it easy for a while.” 37

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“Agreed.” Hawk stood but kept his hand on her arm. “Thank you for brining us this information. I am sure you understand that the commander needs to rest now.” It was clear in his tone that they should be left alone for the time being. The healers reluctantly left them, closing the door softly behind them as they left the room. “You were right, Rayce.” Hawk said softly. Turning Mishka’s hand, he began releasing the belts holding her arms in place. Rayce jumped in quickly and began releasing the other one. Once she was free, he knelt on the bed and lowered himself next to her, gathering her closer to him, making room on the other side. Rayce lowered himself as well, being careful to not jostle her in any way. Mishka looked shell-shocked, her eyes wide and frightened for the first time since he knew her. “Rest for now, we are here and nothing is going to happen until we know for sure what is going on and then we can take the next step.” He smoothed the hair away from her forehead as if she was a child fighting a bad dream. Moving down to her neck, his fingers wrapped around her head, he could feel the rapid tattoo of her pulse in her neck beneath his hand. She immediately tried to jerk away from the hold he had on her, but with Rayce on the other side, she was effectively boxed in their hold. Rayce’s hand fell on her arm and with a soothing gesture ran his palm up and down from shoulder to wrist and back again. Mishka could feel each callus, each ridge of his fingerprints rasping against the fine hairs on her arm. Both of these men were warriors, full of strength and muscles. Only a warrior would have calluses on their hands from working with the sword all day, training long hours. She knew because she worked right alongside of them. She could feel their thighs bracketing her legs on either side on top of the blankets closing in on her. Their heat slowly stopped the shivering that had taken hold. Her pulse calmed and she was almost floating once again. Surprisingly she felt safe between their arms. Instinct told her to fight anyone who came close to them. Raising her nose slightly, she closed her eyes and sniffed, using her senses to see what was outside their haven. She could smell the metal of the swords, telling her that her warriors patrolled the halls. She smelled the clean air flowing through the windows and the vegetation beyond the compound. Unthinkingly she moved her nose closer to Hawk’s neck. The musky smell of his skin filled her senses, beneath the sweat and grime she smelled full-blooded male. What he would taste like? The thought flitted across her mind a split second before her tongue slipped out and she licked delicately at his pulse. She felt him freeze, but she was caught in the spell of senses, his taste overwhelmed her. She vaguely felt his 38

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arms tighten around her spasmodically as she moved lower, sniffing, her tongue darting out to take quick tastes of his skin. Hawk felt the sudden heat of her tongue taste his skin. Raspy and delicate licks here and there as she sniffed him. Heat pooled in his groin as he shifted to adjust his cock to a more comfortable position. She was emitting little growls and squeaks that he was sure she wasn’t even aware of. “Mishka.” He said warningly. His answer was a rumbling purr, which made him swell even harder beneath his pants. He tried to shift a bit away from her, but she instinctively tightened her hold on him, a warning growl rumbling deep in her throat. She seemed intoxicated by his scent, her eyes rolled as she closed the lids in complete abandon. Rayce watched her through heated, narrowed eyes. Jealousy flamed through him as he watched the woman he wanted sniff and lick another man right in front of him. His body betrayed him as his cock lengthened beneath his pants. He inched in closer and stuck his nose in the bend of her neck where it met her shoulder. Rubbing his lips against the smooth flawless skin there, he inhaled her fragrance. Clean, with just a hint of female musk. His hand snuck in under her arm and palmed one breast still half-covered by the bedding. He slowly wrapped the rope of her hair around his hand several times, and still she did nothing but continue to sniff and take small licks at Hawk’s chest revealed by his open shirt. He waited, his eyes meeting Hawk’s and at just the right moment, he jerked. Mishka’s head was jerked back painfully, brining her out of her trance, her eyes tearing at the sharp pull of her hair. Rayce growled next to her ear. “Calm yourself, Commander.” Rayce’s hiss brought her fully awake and she froze, eyes widened in alarm. What was she doing? Cold reality fell over her as she watched Hawk reign in his body’s reaction to her torment. “Oh goddess.” She hid her face in her hands and trembled. She felt Rayce let her hair loose and hunched her shoulders. The emotions bubbling to the surface kept her in a constant state of turmoil. Never before had she been so out of sorts, pulled in so many directions at one time. She felt the soothing hands of both men on her back and shoulders as she curled her arms around her knees and rocked slightly. “What is happening to me?” she whispered, more to herself than to the men. Hawk leaned down and laid a kiss to her shoulder, “We will find out and deal with it, little one.” He murmured, “Remain calm, that is the key. I see when you let your anger out you become like this. Until we can sort this out, I suggest you try to remain calm.” 39

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The door opened and Mishka reacted without thinking. Her eyes flashed in warning, her fangs flashed and she hissed loudly at the intruder, knocking both men off the bed in her haste to jump, forgetting her nudity beneath the blankets she started to retract her claws. Reacting just as quickly, Hawk knocked her back against the headboard and pinned her upper body as she thrashed trying to get at the intruder. “Get out damn you!” He thundered to the hapless soldier who was delivering dinner to them. The door slammed as he kept her pinned, murmuring nonsense, trying to calm her down. Rayce pulled himself off the floor and stumbled to the floor, grabbing the tray from the wide-eyed soldier. “Inform the troops that no one is to barge in here without knocking and announcing themselves first, is that understood?” he glowered, heart pounding from both Mishka’s reaction and her change. The soldier merely nodded dumfounded and fled to the opposite side of the hall.

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Chapter Six

In the days that followed more information came in from the healers studying the changes in their commander. As they had suspected, the poison had mutated her genes, unlocking long dormant genes and changing her in fascinating ways. Her senses were more acute. Mishka could see everything in the dark as if it were total daylight. She could smell a single odor from over a mile away. Her hearing had increased to the point that she could hear a whisper through three levels of steel and rock. While Mishka adjusted to her new senses, her sleep was interrupted by every sound, every smell. Her dreams were now nightmares even when she was awake. Every person who approached was a potential enemy to her senses. Only when either Rayce or Hawk stood nearby was she able to hold her emotions together and keep calm. She had taken to sleeping, curled into a ball under her covers, almost like hibernating. Her breathing was now a rolling purring sound, and she had taken to taking naps in the strangest places. On the roof of the main complex, stretched out in the sun one afternoon, the next curled up in a closet. This confounded the men who were assigned to keep an eye out for her. She would be there one minute, the next gone, her tread so silent. Hawk had been keeping tabs on the reports of the rebels on the planet. So far they had accounted for ninety percent of all the planets inhabitants. Most were either locked up or working for them now. Taking a day rest for a change, both men had slipped away to do some scouting in the nearby forest. Feeling confident that his men could keep an eye on their Commander, both had taken off towards a nearby river, which was said to boast large fish. Reaching the river, they had indeed found it abundant in the supply of fish. Within a few hours there was enough for a banquet. Cleaning and gutting the fish before sealing them in containers for the trip back, Rayce and Hawk decided to take a swim before heading back. Nearby there was a massive waterfall. The roaring could be heard for a mile in either direction. Rayce had commented on how warm the water was especially near the falls. “The geologists confirm that the river is partially fed by an underground hot spring up 41

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river. I imagine that the water from the spring combines with the rest of the river warming it.” Hawk said as they swam laps together, releasing some of the tension built up over the past weeks. **** Mishka watched from the ferns and branches. Both men weren’t paying a bit of attention to what was going on around them and had failed to hear her approach. At the sight of both naked men jumping into the river she froze, watching spellbound as they swam, their bare asses hitting the surface of the water. When Rayce climbed the rocks to the waterfall, she panted, seeing the water cascade over his muscles, beating on his shoulders and back, to slide sinuously down his ass and flanks. As he turned, she noticed his partially erect cock bobbing, and the water cascading over his chest. Fine hairs covered his balls in a tawny color. Hawk joined him at the waterfall and to see both men so close together in height and build was almost her undoing. She felt her clit throb in time with the water beating over both men, heating her blood as if she was on fire. Liquid warmth gushed from her cunt and she whimpered, crouching further into the brush. She wanted to run her hands down that slippery skin, touch those cocks bobbing in the water, making her mouth moist. Mishka slowly opened her shirt to allow some of the afternoon breeze to waft over her exposed breasts. Her nipples hardened as she watched the show of the men bathing in front of her. They had been tormenting her dreams for days now, ever since the poison had changed her, she dreamed of doing things to these men; hot sweaty things. Things that no unmated woman had business thinking about, she wanted to run her hands over bare legs, wrap her legs around them and pound on their cocks until she screamed in rapture. Only these two men did that to her. She had looked at many of her other solders; especially Cormidion’s in her troops and none did what these two men did to her. Still crouched in the brush, she watched them as she pulled off her clothing, hoping to ease her torment. Hawk caught sight of movement out of the corner of his eye and silently motioned to Rayce to point out Mishka’s position. Slowly a grin spread across his features as a thought came to mind. What better way to torment the little tormentor but to put on a show that she was sure to enjoy. Tipping his head back, he allowed the water to caress his face, sliding down his now exposed throat. Groaning out loud, loud enough to be sure she heard him, he ran his hands down his chest, across his flat muscled stomach, to his cock now standing further at attention. His head still thrown back, he let his hand clench around his cock, gliding 42

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smoothly from base to tip where he closed his fingers to caress the sensitive head before sliding back to the base, to caress his balls. Catching onto the plan, Rayce turned and made sure his back was to her before he crouched down, letting his cock dangle between his now spread legs, the water sluicing down his back and buttocks. In a planned move, still crouched, he let his fangs descend, blinking water out of his eyes, he executed a perfect turn on the balls of his feet. One hand on his knee, the other on the rocky surface before him, he hissed at her hidden figure. Her growl rumbled across the clearing, making it clear that she knew what they were doing and it made her hot to watch their show. She stood out of the low brush, naked and panting. Walking across the bank of the river, Mishka moved lazily as if she were on a stroll. The only betrayal to her obvious arousal was the heat in her eyes and the heaving of her chest as she moved towards the water. Diving into the water, she stayed submerged for a minute before rising slowly, her hands moving up her breasts to caress the pert nipples, now hard as pebbles before pushing the water off her face, smoothing back her hair so that it cascaded down her back to her hips. The water lapping at the flat plain of her stomach and the flare of her hips and thighs now washed away the evidence of her heightened arousal. Two pairs of eyes watched her movements as she lazily glided through the water, seemingly in a random pattern, but all the while she stalked them, moving ever closer to the waterfall where they were now crouched. Never had Rayce seen a more seductive sight as the woman before him, stalking him like the cat she portrayed. More and more, he saw the evidence of her cat qualities emerging. The thought of her wrapped around his hips while he thrust into her had him moving to the edge of the outcropping of rock. Aware that Hawk followed him, also hypnotized by her movements had him wondering who was stalking whom. He could feel his fangs emerging through his gums, a sign of his intention to mate. If she was really serious about this… Rayce refused to complete the thought. Shaking his head to clear the fog of lust that enveloped him at the sight of her body barely covered by the water, moving towards him in a lazy sinuous motion, undulating and curving, her body cutting through the water as if she was born to live in the depths. “Mishka.” He purred his growl, calling to something inside her as he gripped the edge of the rock under him. Slowly he executed a perfect slide into the water, keeping his head above, his eyes slumberous as he glided around her, mirroring her movements. Behind her, his partner slid into the water, coming up in her blind spot. 43

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The sun above them cast shadows through the leaves, painting her skin in shadow and light. For a split second Rayce could almost see the shadows move and blend as if she was covered in camouflage, then with a blink of his eyes; he saw her move and the patterns changed reflecting the leaves and sun from above. Mishka’s eyes watched him as she swam to keep out of his reach, but still stalking him, still unaware of Hawk behind her. He slipped up with almost a foot to spare and rose above her, his feet planted firmly on the soft ground. Just as he was about to wrap his arms around her, she performed a neat flip and was under the water, escaping easily from his arms. Cursing slightly under his breath, Hawk turned and tried to spot her under the water. Rayce moved slightly back against the rocky ledge and kept his eyes moving. A short distance away Mishka hid in the vines overhanging the banks of the river. Smiling, she dove into the water silently and approached from the rear. She had learned long ago to hold her breath for longer periods under water. Her trip to his side was easy. With a quick jerk, Hawk went under, bellowing his rage at the sudden dunking. Coming up sputtering and coughing, he whirled around, expecting to see Mishka grinning like a loon. But she had moved onto her next target. Bubbles escaped from her mouth as she grinned under the water, spying the strong calves and well-formed feet braced on the floor of the river by the rocks. Rayce saw her shadow moving through the water coming closer, thanks to his eyesight. He waited until the last possible second and shoved his hands into the water, wrapping tightly around her waist and pulling her out of the water. Mishka came up shrieking and kicking. Wet hair fell around her as she shook her head, little growls and grunts escaped as she tried to fight his hold on her. Hawk laughed as he moved towards them, no longer bothering to silence his movements. “Caught yourself a live one.” He grinned. “I don’t know, I think it’s a little too puny. Maybe we should throw it back.” Rayce nuzzled her cheek, ignoring her gasp of outrage. Firmly holding her, he allowed her feet to touch the floor of the riverbed and then loosened his hold, his hands spanning her waist in more of a caress than a hold. “You want to play, Mishka?” Hawk leaned in close to her, his eyes filled with banked desire. His finger traced a path from her cheek down her neck then to her breast where he pinched one of her nipples, making her moan and arch her back for more. She watched and waited for his next move, knowing it wasn’t that far off. She wanted to reach for him but with Rayce’s hands on her it was hard to concentrate on what was happening. Heat suffused her skin as she felt his hands move from her waist to her 44

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stomach and higher. He palmed one breast while Hawk still played with the other, rubbing the nipple with the palm of his hand. With a low, moaning growl, Mishka lowered her head to his shoulder, her eyes closed in complete abandon. All she could feel was the passion building as hands caressed her skin, lips glided across the wet skin of her shoulder. The water moved continuously over her legs so she couldn’t tell when Hawk knelt in the water, but she felt those lips touch the flat plane of her stomach as one of his hands parted her lower lips. Fingers glided through the moisture that was flowing from her before locking onto her clit and applying the right amount of pressure. Going up on her toes, she keened her joy at the shaft of pleasure that ran from her cunt to all parts of her body. She was amazed that the water didn’t boil over its banks from the heat generated between all three of them. Her hands ran up and down Rayce’s thighs behind her. Mishka could feel the hard throbbing cock behind her nudging the cheeks of her ass. Groping blindly, she wrapped one hand around that member and pumped slowly, exalting in the harsh breathing in her ear telling her this man enjoyed what she did to him. Turning her head without opening her eyes, she parted her lips and wordlessly begged for his lips to cover hers. Rayce’s lips crashed down on hers, sealing them together in a harsh exhalation of breath. She moaned her acceptance of his tongue as he tangled with hers in the warm, wet cavern of her mouth. Groans and whimpers filled the air as Hawk continued to pleasure her from below and her hand kept moving constantly on Rayce’s cock behind her. Watching the two of them kiss was erotic in the extreme. Mishka writhed in his hold telling them both without words that she enjoyed what they were doing to her and wanted more. Dipping his head, Hawk allowed his tongue to touch the smooth skin of her lips, his fingers parting her to allow greater access. Wrapping his hand around one thigh, he raised her leg, making more room and slipped it over his shoulder. She squealed, still locked in the kiss as she felt his mouth cover her from below. Hawk added his tongue, flicking from her clit and back to her cunt, sweeping in broad strokes before shoving his tongue deeper into her channel to sweep as much of that moisture, evidence of her growing desire for them, back into his mouth. Hawk’s throat worked continuously as he tried to swallow as much of her as he could. Her cries went higher and higher as he built the tension in her body. Mishka’s body exploded, wrenching her lips away from Rayce’s as she screamed, her eyes opening wide as she stared unseeing at the canopy above them. If Rayce hadn’t been holding her she would surely have sunk beneath the water to drown in the pleasure 45

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those hands and lips kept giving her. Shuddering, Mishka latched on to Hawk’s head and curved her fingers around his hair, clenching and releasing, fighting to get away and fighting to get closer to him. The pleasure kept going on and on until she almost passed out. Going limp, she allowed Rayce to pick her up and carry her to the banks where a grassy slope allowed for comfort. A few steps were all it took for Rayce to reach the banks and lay her gently down on the soft green grass. With each man on either side of her they started the dance once more, fanning the flames of her desire until she was arching, pleading whimpers escaping through her tightly clenched teeth. Her breasts bobbed and swayed with her movements as she writhed under them. Hawk’s lips descended violently onto one turgid peak, teeth clamping down hard and firm to worry at the pebbled nipple. Slitting her eyes she looked at Hawk. Rayce wrenched her legs apart to fall on her exposed pussy, and the flood of moisture that ran out of her. The motion was almost violent; except for the hot need she saw swirling in his gaze. Taking one hand, she buried it in the fall of silver-gray hair that floated around her chest, Hawk’s lips still suctioning strongly on her breast. Clenching and unclenching her hand, Mishka was unaware of the sharp pain she caused until Hawk firmly grabbed her wrist and pulled her away. Rayce fed on her from below, as if working on a feast just for him. Mishka bucked as she felt his teeth enclose on her clit, excited bolts of pleasure shot through her at each bite. “Now!” she cried, her eyes pleading for more heat, more pressure, just more of everything they could give. Tears of excited frustration leaked out of her eyes as she locked her gaze on them. Both men met eye to eye and it was as if they were communicating silently. Rayce jerked away and rolled her over and up onto her knees. She was panting heavily, whimpers escaping in her desperation to come again. She felt hands on her ass, opening her but her eyes were on the flat stomach in front of her. Lowering her eyes further, Mishka saw the thick, hard cock thrust in front of her. The veins were raised and pulsing with his lifeblood she could almost see each cell flow and ebb beneath the surface. When the hands in front of her tilted her head up, she met Hawk’s gaze. There was a question there in those gray orbs, she read clearly. With a wrench of her head Hawk’s hands fell and she bent her head, taking one hand and wrapped it gently but firmly around the base of his cock. Opening her mouth, Mishka went down on him in one smooth move. Straight to the base until his whole member filled her throat, she swallowed, allowing her throat to clench around his head 46

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applying the right amount of pressure before pulling back and applied gentle suction. Hawk’s head fell back, a groan rumbled in his chest of pure enjoyment. As she moved forward once more, using her tongue to lash slowly back and forth following the vein under his cock, Mishka felt the swift thrust of Rayce entering her cunt from behind. His momentum pushed her faster than she wanted onto Hawk’s cock, forcing the air out of her lungs in a sharp exhalation. “Goddess yessss.” Rayce hissed at the feeling of her clenching around his cock. It was like a warm wet tunnel closing in on him tighter and tighter. He had never felt anything like this before and prayed to the goddess that he never did again. Wanting nothing more than to stay inside those walls for the rest of his life, it was more than he could ever hope for. His hands clenched tighter around her ass harder, knowing she would sport some bruises come tomorrow, but a sense of pride filled him knowing she would wear his mark on her lovely body. Slowly their movements increased, in almost perfect counterpoint they all moved together. Each caress, each moan made the heat burn higher and hotter until Mishka was crying out with every thrust. She fought to not bite down against the pleasure running through her; instead she quickened her movements, adding her hand to pump the member in her mouth. She applied more suction, lashed more quickly brining him to the edge of reason. Hawk was held at the brink, watching Rayce out of the corner of his eye, he refused to go over until his friend and partner was ready as well. By the feeling of that mouth on his cock, he wouldn’t last much longer if the man didn’t hurry. He could tell Mishka was more than ready, her breasts bounded and swayed in her urgency to bring him to completion; she was moaning and whimpering with each thrust. Gritting his teeth, Hawk took control and held her head as he thrust into her mouth, careful not to go too deep too quickly. Mishka swore she saw stars in front of her as both men took control and she was left with no control. The tremors started slightly, only a mild twitch, and then suddenly a gigantic wave crashing over her, her cunt clenched rhythmically at the cock entering her savagely. She tried to scream around the cock in her mouth, but it came out as a long soft wail as she convulsed around them. She felt and tasted the salty warm come that filled her throat and tried to catch every pearly drop from escaping, while heat flooded her cunt from behind. She heard both men shout at the same time they froze. It was over just that quickly; all three fell over into a pile of arms and legs, heaving and panting trying to catch their breath. Slowly, the sounds of the jungle could be heard over the painful beating of hearts and the harshness of breaths being forced in and out of their lungs. 47

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After what seemed like hours, all three managed to untangle themselves from the others and the men started pulling on clothing. Rayce found Mishka’s clothes where she had pulled them off laying in the bushes not far away. She was now curled in on herself, purring in her sleep, unaware of the looks being cast her way by both her guardians. She seemed so delicate now, asleep and relaxed, every ounce of tension melted away. Rayce blinked, not believing what he was seeing. Again it seemed as if there was a pattern of large spots covering her skin, and they seemed to shift and move with the light coming through the leaves. He shot a glance to his partner and noticed that Hawk saw the same thing. Moving closer on soft feet, they watched the patterns along her back. As she stretched in her sleep the patterns moved with her, and then settled along her skin like a camouflage. Along her face, stripes of black appeared on her cheekbones, and from the corner of her eyes, spreading back towards her neck. Slowly, Mishka opened her eyes and noticed the strange expressions on Rayce and Hawk’s faces as they watched her. Their body language shouted ‘caution tread lightly’. “What?” she whispered, suddenly frightened. The spots on her skin shifted as she went from relaxed to terrified in a split second, every muscle in her body froze. “Look at your arm, Mish.” Rayce whispered harshly. Looking down at her arm, Mishka felt her eyes go wide with terror. She sat up quickly and started wiping at the spots now covering her body. Seeing the patterns on her legs she squealed and tried to rub harder. The more animalistic side of her mind couldn’t believe what she was seeing, the newer side accepted the change as if nothing was out of the ordinary. Mishka’s breathing was panicked as she looked up at Hawk; her eyes pleading for him to make it all go away. “It won’t come off.” She whimpered, her eyes filming over as her lips quivered. “Hawk? It won’t come off.” She cried. Her mind froze, panicked she merely reacted, clawing at her skin as if to scratch the spots away. Rushing over to her, Hawk grabbed her arms, holding them away from her body. “Mishka!” he yelled in her face. It took a minute for her to meet his eyes. “Relax. Just relax everything. Let your mind calm.” He spoke soothingly, aware that Rayce knelt behind her, supporting her back. Hawk’s hands traced the skin on her arms and shoulders, soothingly. Slowly the spots lightened to the point they almost vanished completely. Only a shadow of camouflage remained. “See?” he raised her arms up to her face. “When you relax they almost disappear. We need to get you back to the healer.” He said decisively, his lips firming as the 48

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decision was made. “Let’s get you dressed, Mishka.” Gentling his hold, he helped her up and Rayce took her hands to dress her body with her clothes as if she was a child. Dazed, Mishka merely stood while allowing them to dress her. The stripes on her face still remained but as with the spots, were lighter, as if she wore make up on her face, accenting her cheekbones and eyes so she looked exotic. Her skin was now more bronze as if she sported a permanent tan. Making their way back to the transport, the men packed up the containers of fish they had packed for the return trip while Mishka sat trembling, curled up on the seat watching their every move. It wouldn’t take them long to return to the compound once they finished storing the containers. She refused to even look at her skin during the trip back to the compound. Keeping her eyes focus straight ahead, Mishka ignored the looks darted her way by the men as they traveled through the dense jungle back to the compound. Curious looks landed on them the minute they returned. Hawk and Rayce hustled her back into the compound quickly, ignoring the calls that were thrown out by their men. Once she was safely back in her room, she dove beneath the covers of her bed and pulled the blankets over her head, refusing to come out for any reason. Hawk wrestled with her into taking a sedative and she was asleep within minutes. Pulling her clothes off, they waited for the healer to come, thinking that with her asleep, the questions would be easier for her to handle. Angorn stepped into the room and looked at the sleeping patient. Putting his finger to his lips, Hawk motioned for silence, hoping that Angorn would be quiet for once. The old man nodded and moved closer to the bed. When he spied the stripes on her face, his eyes widened comically. Carefully and gently, he tilted her head to each side, he frowned and his lips moved silently as if talking to himself. Hawk lifted one of her arms and raised the sleeve of her shirt. Angorn couldn’t believe his eyes and after motioning them out into the hall he said as much. “What the blazes is happening?” he whispered harshly. “Well, you’re the healer.” Hawk barked back at him, “You tell me. When we were in the forest, those spots were darker, it seems the angrier or more panicked she becomes, the darker the spots. They’re almost gone now because she’s asleep, but I can guarantee you if she was awake, they would cover her from head to toe.” “I will have to perform more tests.” Angorn muttered to himself rubbing a finger along his mustache before tugging at his beard. “You say they got darker when she was frightened?” he eyed the man in front of him, “Sounds like a defense mechanism. Studies of some cat species tell us that some animals use Camouflage to blend in to their 49

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environment. This might be the same type of patterning. I will need to contact the Cormidion government and speak to their healers and scientists to see if I am right. What ever you do, try to keep her calm. I don’t want anyone seeing her right now unless absolutely necessary. No need to cause a panic among the others yet.” “Agreed.” Hawk nodded and they left the healer.

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Chapter Seven

Mishka woke up after the sun had descended over the horizon. The fire in the hearth told her that it was cold outside but beneath the covers, she felt blazing hot. Peeking out of her cocoon she saw that no one was in the room. Stretching as she pushed the covers away, she grimaced at the feeling of the residue from the water over her skin. Just as she was about to throw back the covers she felt something brush her thigh. Stilling, Mishka cocked her head at the covers and noticed something moving, slowly back and forth in an undulating pattern. Whatever it was, it was about two and a half feet long. She cautiously moved her legs to the side of the bed away from the thing and prepared to kill what ever she found. Lightening fast she thrust back the covers and leapt out of the bed. Whatever it was, it was no longer there when she looked. Searching with her hands, Mishka pulled all the bedding off the mattress and searched the pillows, throwing them from the bed. Frowning, she huffed and sat down on the mattress, only to jump up when she felt that same movement. Whirling, she stared at the mattress in confused fascination. There it was again, a soft glide against her skin. Bending this way and that, she looked but didn’t see anything. Getting annoyed and irritated, she put her hands to her back and ran them down her flanks. Again nothing. Nothing was stuck on her, and then she looked over her shoulder as she ran her hands over her ass. What she saw caused her to shriek and run to the mirror. Turning around, Mishka could only stare in horrified fascination. There at the base of her spine, just above her ass, a three-foot long tail was growing out of her tailbone. Spotted fur covered the appendage and it was gently writhing back and forth. She noticed the spots more clearly defined on her skin now, her emotions roiling from panic to anger then horror as she saw the spots darken on her body. The tail began to thrash wildly and a ridge of fur stood on end. Diving for the covers now lying on the floor she wrapped them around herself and tried to burrow her way under the table in the corner. There, she wrapped herself into a cocoon and rocked herself, tears trailing down her cheeks.

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What is happening to me? She wailed and screamed, beating her fists on the floor. A cramp in her tail had her jerking it out from under her in an angry move, only to cry out in pain because she’d tugged too hard. She didn’t know how long she curled there beneath the table, crying her terror and fear out into the covers wrapped around her, but when the door opened she barely paused. Hawk surveyed the destruction of the bed and went on alert. The pillows lay ripped open, their contents spread over the room like a fluffy cloud, and blankets were pulled from the bed and tossed around the room. A snuffling sound came from his left behind the door and his hand went to his blade. He motioned for Rayce to move forward and on silent feet, moved into the room, closing the door behind him. The only light source coming into the room was from the fire now banked in the fireplace to his right. The light cast shadows in the dim light so he had to squint. Rayce righted one of the lamps that had been knocked over and turned it on, adding more illumination to the room. They both heard the snuffling once again and zeroed in on the sound. Seeing a mound of blankets under the table, trembling and sniffing, both men relaxed. Mishka’s amber eyes were glowing in the dim light, the only thing they saw through the mound of blankets. Kneeling before the table Hawk placed on hand on top and leaned in, “Can you come out, Mishka?” he asked softly, worried at the terror in her eyes. He held out his free hand to her. “Come here, little one.” He soothed. A trembling hand emerged from the blankets and he confirmed his suspicions about emotion being the trigger for her spots. Clearly delineated spots were visible on her hand and arm as it came out to grasp his tightly. He could feel the trembling in her hands as he pulled her out from under the table and into his lap. Mishka poked her head out of the blankets and looked around the room, spying Rayce on the other side of the bed, now righting the bedding that she had pulled from it a short time ago. Teeth chattering, she burrowed in deeper into the blankets around her. “What is happening to me, Hawk?” She hissed. “We’re still working on it, Mishka.” He smoothed her hair away from her face, meeting her eyes honestly, hiding nothing from her. She valued total honesty; he knew and was not about to start lying to her now. “What got you all worked up, honey?” the endearment slipped out before he caught it. She froze, her eyes widened and he knew something else had happened. “What happened?” his gaze sharpened as he demanded information. Eyes filming with tears, Mishka grudgingly and slowly lowered the blankets, pulling her tail out for his examination. With a sharp grunt, Hawk picked her up, his 52

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hands on her waist, allowing the blankets to drop from around her as he put her on her feet. There for both to see was a three-foot long tail emerging from her tailbone. She clutched at the end, holding it to her chest as she sniffed. “Well….” Rayce started out lamely, shrugging his shoulders as he slumped on the bed. “That’s something new all right.” “You think?” she snapped, irony spilling out of her mouth. “Damn it, this can’t continue, Hawk. I’m a freak of nature.” Anger over her situation boiling, her spots darkened and her tail thrashed in her hold. With a moan of disgust, she flung the tail away from her where it continued to thrash, hitting Hawk on the thigh repeatedly. “Stop it.” Hawk warned. A teasing light entering his eyes. “Ha, you think I can control that thing?” she sniffed, but she reacted to the teasing and calmed down. “Just a little more time, Mishka.” Hawk gathered her close once more. Motioning for Rayce to come over. “Angorn is talking to Cormidion healers and scientists to try and find out what’s going on as we speak. What do you say in the mean time, we get you something to eat?” “Hawk, I can’t go out there looking like this!” she wailed, batting at her tail as she turned. It was winding its way around her leg with a mind of its own. “What are the soldiers going to say when they see this?” “They are going to find out sooner or later, Commander.” He warned soberly, “Better to get it out of the way quickly and get them used to it. Who knows if it’s going to go away or be a permanent addition to your lovely assets?” Behind her Rayce eyed the tail with an amused glint in his eye. No one had ever seen the mighty Commander so out of sorts as she was right at this moment. It was clear she was agitated and was fighting hard to retain her composure. Usually a Cormidion could hide his or her emotions easily; a cold glance or a raised eyebrow was commonplace to show emotion. But with her spots it was more difficult to hide her emotion under her gruff exterior. He could now gauge her moods easily. For him it was a plus. For the last ten years he took a chance at raising her anger with every day. Now he could gauge her moods and compensate accordingly, not that he expected to raise her ire any time soon, he thought with relish. Since getting his hands on her by the river, he wanted more. Hawk helped her pull on fresh clothes and they left the room, heading towards the assigned room, which was turned into a mess hall. Eyes swiveled to her as she walked into the room flanked by both officers. Those eyes widened when they got a look at her markings. Even the Cormidion’s were awed by the transformation. 53

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Still, a slightly panicked look swam in her eyes as she wrapped her arms around herself, her tail wrapped protectively around her waist ruffling and settling. One of the healers that had been assisting her moved forward and tried to offer some sort of comfort to her but with her mind in chaos and both men on either side of her, she waved the healer away. The feeling of so many eyes on her was unwelcome to her and she bristled with discomfort. “Get back to what you were doing or get out.” Rayce snarled loudly, everyone jumping at the sound of his voice. Slowly the talking resumed as people went back to their meal. She could still feel eyes on her, but there were fewer than before. She could hear some whispers aimed her way but she chose to ignore them until one hate filled whisper reached her finely attuned ears. “I’d like a piece of that tail.” The voice sneered. Instantly, Mishka’s eyes blazed and zeroed in on the man who matched the voice. Without thought, she jumped over the table, knocking the man to the floor. The tail that had wrapped itself around her waist now wrapped around his throat, choking the life out of him as she bared her fangs. “Commander.” Hawk said softly but with warning as he approached her crouched form. “I am sure the soldier will be disciplined for his lack of tact and respect for a superior officer. Choking the life out of him will be a passing revenge, don’t you think?” He sounded as if he was talking about the weather outside rather than the life of a man under her command. Slowly, the red haze of her anger dissipated and her tail slowly unwound from around his neck. “Take him to the brig soldier.” Hawk barked out. As soon as the man was on his feet, supported by two others, Mishka jumped up and lightning fast, her tail lashed out and caught him on the chin, his head jerking back at the impact, blood trickled out of the corner of his mouth. Slumping he would have fallen to the floor if the two men hadn’t been supporting him. With a sigh of disgust the soldiers dragged him off and Mishka settled into her meal, ignoring the furtive looks coming her way. “My lord Commander.” Angorn sat down across from them as they started in on the nightly meal. “I have some disturbing news I felt you should be aware of.” Hawk motioned for the man to continue as he chewed thoughtfully on his fish. “We have managed to identify all the components of the poison used on Commander Sakar. None of them are readily available here on this planet.” He let the implication sink in for a moment. “Where are they available, Angorn?” Hawk asked softly. 54

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“That’s just it, Commander” He sighed frustrated. “There isn’t one planet in the Empire that all of these can be manufactured. In fact each component can only be manufactured on several different planets in the Empire. It will take us weeks to track down where they came from. It was coded for human DNA, not Cormidion.” He let the other shoe drop after another moment of silence, his voice lowered. “It seems that the commander wasn’t a target after all.” There was dead silence all around the table as all three looked dumfounded at the healer. Before another word could be said by anyone, Hawk reached over and pulled the healer out of his seat with a growl of frustration and pulled him down the hall. Both Rayce and Mishka were hot on their heels as he strode towards her quarters, pulling the protesting man behind him.

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Chapter Eight

Elaine read the report from her spy in the Imperial guard. Smashing the handheld communications unit on the floor and grinding the heel of her sandal on the screen, she savored the faint sound of crunching before venting her rage. “Total incompetence!” she hissed, fisting her hands in her hair. She had been planning her coup for years. Ever since she became the Imperial Consort to the Emperor, simpering oaf that he was, she had been planning her move. “Mistress?” A soft voice came from the doorway. Angelia, her maid stood watching her with somber eyes. “What is it Angelia?” she hissed, her eyes flashing her rage and hate at being interrupted in her private quarters. Not even the guard was allowed in the Consort chambers. “I heard the news.” The young woman moved further into the room, taking a chance she approached Elaine. Softly she stroked her hair, “I am sorry the plan did not work to your specifications. There is a chance we can save it and change it to our advantage.” Elaine closed her eyes and leaned into the woman’s caress. “How?” she sounded petulant, like a spoiled child deprived of her new toys. “They were supposed to kill him, instead they missed the target.” “We can perhaps use our contacts to try again?” leading Elaine over to the bed she pushed her onto her back and began to remove her clothing. “There will be no trace to you, my lady.” Angelia murmured as she leaned down to kiss the woman full on the mouth. Her tongue tangled with Elaine’s as she continued to remove the dress covering her. “Do you wish me to contact our spies?” Floating on a sea of sensation Elaine moaned and nodded, “Yes we should try again.” Clutching at the woman’s shoulders she let her lids close over her eyes, “That man must die. Our plans could be ripped apart if he becomes wise to us.” “We will take care of the Lord Commander, don’t you worry, my lady.” Angelia purred, crawling up her mistress’s body she kissed the skin she exposed, an evil little 56

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smile gracing her face that matched Elaine’s. “We will make the plan work, my lady. No one suspects a thing.” “If the Emperor casts me aside…” Elaine said, a shade of worry filling her eyes. Everything would crumble if she was cast aside before her plans could take effect. “Don’t think about that now. You have him right now. Who knows how long he will be on that little planet in the backwater. With the Lord Commander out of the picture, his armies will be in chaos. No one will notice if we slip a few well-chosen men into his personal guard. At the right time we can strike, eliminating everyone who stands in your way.” Elaine smiled, her pleasure at their plan overriding every other thought. She would be Empress alone. With the Emperor gone, she would have worlds bow down to her; she would have the riches of the empire at her feet and no one to stand in her way. Closing her eyes, she allowed her maid to continue, visions of her alone on the throne of the Empire filling her mind. **** “What do you mean, coded for humans?” Hawk growled after they had left the mess hall and entered her room. The reports were now spread all over the room, on every available surface. Mishka tried to keep up with the conversation, but she was a tactician, a soldier. What the healer was talking about made no sense to her, so she sat in the corner, her tail in her lap, as she watched the men discuss things. “Quite simply, “Angorn began, “The sequencing of the poison was very precise. It was sequenced to effect humans. I see nothing that would kill a Cormidion. Reports from the prisoners that have been questioned thoroughly said that someone came asking questions on who came here and when. No Cormidion has ever been on this planet before, so it would stand to reason that who ever the poison was meant for, they were human.” “But that doesn’t explain who the target was.” Hawk growled, his hand playing with her hair absently as he tried to think through all the information in front of him. “Question the men we captured in the forest.” Mishka said softly, her eyes trained on her tail. “If they were instructed to shoot a specific target, then it stands to reason, they may have some instruction as to who their target really was. Then track down where the components came from, who purchased them, or, if they were stolen, when the components were stolen. If someone is trying to cover their tracks, then there would be no paper trail leading anyone back to them.” “You’re right, Commander.” Angorn smiled at her, awed by the fact that her spots were now faded, only the stripes remained on her face, and they too were faded, almost to 57

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the point they were a mere shadow on her face. He noticed her fascination of her tail and said, “How are you feeling, Commander?” She looked up, merely tilting her head back against the stones behind her. “I feel fine considering I’m becoming a cat.” She said vaguely, still in shock. “My dear.” Angorn smiled beatifically at her, “you have always been a cat. If you know anything it is that Cormidion’s are descended from cats. As humans evolved from apes millions of years ago, Cormidion’s have evolved from cats. Its simple evolution my dear, I have been in constant contact with your healers and they tell me that centuries ago, their history tells us that your people used to have tails. Because of evolution, they lost their tails as they grew and evolved. It’s really quite fascinating that the poison meant to kill human’s merely reactivated and mutated dormant genes in your DNA. Your government wanted to see you personally as proof that this has happened. I don’t think they believed me.” He sounded hurt that someone would discount what he told him or her, almost making her smile. Knowing the Cormidion government as she did, she didn’t doubt it and told him so. “I’m not surprised. Our elders tend to believe what they can see and touch, not what is given to them second hand.” “Well, they have demanded that you come home so that they may see for themselves. The Emperor was quite put out by their demands and informed them that you would go there when he said you could and not before.” He nodded with emphasis and smiled, pleased with himself. Mishka growled in equal parts of frustration and confusion as she listened to them, banging her head against the wall. “I hate this, Hawk. We have no idea who was the target, why or who planned this whole thing. I don’t like mysteries.” Gritting her teeth, she stood up and tried to find something to vent her frustrations on. Unless she wanted to beat on the healer, she was out of options. The room was beginning to close in on her, at least that’s how it felt. Logically her mind told her that the walls couldn’t move but she felt as if she were suffocating. Her hand came up to her throat as she tilted her head and looked at the ceiling and the walls, her eyes darting everywhere. Unconsciously her breathing sped up, as did her pacing. Escape! Her first instinct bellowed in her mind as she prowled, a growl tickling her throat. She turned her attention to the men in the room. Lips curling derisively, they weren’t doing anything! No more talking, she wanted action. Apparently along with her temper getting shorter, so was the ability to sit calmly in confined spaces leaving her. Her tail twitched angrily as she prowled. 58

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“Would you sit down?” Rayce snapped, his temper blazing as he turned on her. “No!” she hissed, rubbing her arms as she looked at the walls again. Perspiration dotted her brow as she flinched when the closed in sensation worsened. Get out! Find a way out! Her consciousness screamed at her. Hands fell on her startling a panicked sound out of her throat. Hawk held her loosely, but his eyes watched her warily. “What’s wrong?” he whispered close to her ear. “Claustrophobia.” She snapped. “I can’t breathe in here.” Hawk watched the way her chest rose and fell with each breath. She had a panicked look about the eyes, but her spots were darkening with each passing moment. “Angorn, can this wait?” he said softly, still watching her looking at everything but him. Startled out of his speech the healer paused and looked at her. Nodding, he said, “Yes I think the Commander needs some air. She doesn’t look to stable.” “Fine.” Without another word, he grabbed her by the arm and pulled her out of the room, down the hall and out into the main yard. Rayce’s boots could be heard stomping behind them. Everything passed in a gray blur around her as she concentrated on getting out of the boxed in feeling around her. Ahead she saw light and could feel the fresh air around her. Stepping out, she threw her head back and spent silent moments just watching the sky and breathing in the precious clean air. Her life had become a nightmare, strange urges were running through her body, and things that she used to take for granted now seemed so precious. In the deepest part of her, she wanted to curl into a ball and bawl her eyes out and get rid of that writhing mass of anger and confusion inside her. Mishka could sense both men standing not far behind her, they were whispering to themselves, and she was content to tune them out. She pushed every thought from her head, every bit of information she had learned from the healers, and every feeling. She pushed it all away and closed her eyes letting the clean air blow over her as if to clean her. Every instinct said that she should run as far and as fast as she could away from this place, to go back to where she was safe. The only problem was that she didn’t remember ever feeling totally safe. Even as a child, when her family had been taken from her, she’d never felt safe or loved, even when held by another in her village. She had grown up hard and strong enough to take care of herself. Now her world was turned upside down and it felt as if she was spinning out into space with no hope of going back. Hawk had always been in the background since the beginning of her career. Pulling strings, making decisions that would affect her but always with her in his 59

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thoughts. Rayce, too, had been by her side since the beginning, raising through the ranks together, working in the same unit, and watching each other’s backs. Clenching her fist, Mishka pounded it gently against her thigh, as she thought about the two men in her life. In such a short time their roles had changed. Only the Goddess knew what their roles would be when all was said and done. They had to make plans, find out who was behind the attack, and then there was their original purpose in coming here in the first place. Two weeks. They had been on this rock for two weeks, but it felt like years to her. She felt so tired all of a sudden, deep in the soul tired. Her hands felt empty. Looking out over the makeshift practice field she noticed several soldiers sparring. Thinking back to the incident in the mess hall she grabbed her tail and pulled it out so she could look at it. Using her newfound muscles she tested a theory out. She curled her tail around her arm and pulled slightly. She could feel her tail as it strained to pull her arm back, and the muscles in her arm trying to pull away from the appendage wrapped around it. Releasing the length of fur and muscle around her arm she tensed her muscles and swung. The tail swung out and snapped back, not quite a whip, but she found she could do some damage if she worked hard enough. Spying a workout droid sitting against the wall, she walked over and started fiddling with the programs. The object would be to work her new muscles. Since no one in the Empire had a tail, yet, other than her she needed to be creative. Thinking about it, Mishka admitted to herself that she might have something useful in this new tail of hers. It would take time, but it might be worth the effort. The life-sized droids were a marvel of advanced training. Inside their computer matrix they had a thousand lifetimes of fighting techniques. She could train in her native fighting style which was a combination of kicks, blocks and claws; or she could fight in many martial arts styles she had learned over the last ten years and practiced daily. She decided beginner level course might be easier to start out on so she programmed the droid for an hour session. The men still stood back, talking and pretty much ignoring her as she started the sequence. The droid stood up and bowed to her indicating that the sequence had been activated and sparing would commence. In a flash they were locked in combat, rolling out of the way she aimed a low kick at the droids knee and grunted when he blocked it, at the last second she lashed out with her tail and hit the exact same spot her foot had aimed for. It was clumsily done but she smiled to herself as she made the target area. More work and she knew she could be faster and more accurate. 60

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Wrapping her tail around the droids ankle, Mishka pulled and the machine went down with a loud thud. She lashed out with a kick and connected with her foot, in the center of its chest. The droid automatically performed shut down, indicating a kill shot. She leaned over on her arm and focused her breathing. It was too quick. Jumping up, she reprogrammed the sequence for a higher degree of difficulty and started again. After fifteen minutes of her lashing out, grunting and stifling cries sharp pain when the droid connected, the men finally turned their attention to her. She saw them out of the corner of her eye but didn’t end the sequence. She needed to work out some of her frustration at her predicament and this was the only way she knew how. Hawk watched as Mishka worked with the droid, silently amazed that she had incorporated her tail into her workout. After a few well-aimed lashes, he recognized that it might be a good weapon for her, as well as an added benefit. He noticed that she jumped out of the way easier, her reflexes tighter. She moved to the balls of her feet more and instead of a jump it was more of a spring. Wincing, he almost felt her pain when the droid hit her with a spinning back kick that sent her crashing to the ground. But she didn’t stay down for long, wiping her hand against the cut on her cheek, her spots flared to dramatic color and she sprang up and went on the attack. As she spun around, she lashed out and caught the droid in the side with her tail. The blow threw the droid off balance and she followed up with a kick with her leg, pushing it back, crashing into the wall. The electronic fizzle of burning circuits filled the air with an acrid odor and she wrinkled her nose even as she tried to catch her breath. “You killed a droid?” Rayce grinned. The warranty on the mechanical units was unconditional. The company that was under contract firmly believed that their units were indestructible and guaranteed satisfaction. The military would have something to say about that now. Walking up to her with a towel in hand, Hawk wrapped it around her neck and gently wiped her cheeks. “Feeling better?” Her vision was clearer than when they first came out, and her frame a bit more relaxed. She actually smiled at him, a fleeting grin that told him she was back into a better frame of mind. “Care to try that one on two?” he raised an eyebrow at her tilting his head in a show of confidence that he could take her down. Mishka snorted, “You think you can keep up?” she planted her hands on her hips and leisurely looked him up and down. Cockiness had her taunting him, “You sure 61

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you’re up for it? I don’t think the almighty Lord Grayson can take a beating in front of the troops.” Rayce stifled a bark of laughter as he pulled off his jacket and shirt, revealing his smooth muscled chest to the suns rays. A strange light entered her eyes as she watched both men strip to the waist and remove their boots. She could feel her mouth growing moist as she watched them bind their hair and stretch. One thing was for sure. She was going to enjoy this match. A grin of anticipation spread across her face as she moved to keep limber, her tail swaying from side to side. **** The sun was high above them as she watched both men spread out on either side of her. They had agreed that this would be hand to hand, no blades. Already they were sweating in the heat of the afternoon. Others on the practice field had noticed them and while they still spared, looked over at them from time to time. “Ready?” Mishka purred, crouching in a fighting stance, trying to anticipate Hawk’s first move. In a lightning fast move, he leapt at her and proceeded to gage her reflexes. She refused to give him an advantage. They circled around one another, looking for an opening that wasn’t there. Rayce stood outside the circle for a while, watching her movements, gauging her reach. Just when Hawk thought he had learned her movements, she moved out of reach quickly and moved into for an attack. Lightening fast kicks and punches flew and it was all he could do to block them. Watching her skin glisten under the suns rays, combined with the sweat pouring off her, sent a tingle through the base of his spine. Straightening he initiated a high jump kick that had her weaving out of the way, and so used to seeing her legs, he forgot about the tail, which whipped out and connected with his arm, stunning him for a moment. She quickly danced out of the way, breathing heavily, her smile gone as they got down to the serious business of training. They silently agreed to take a minute break and Mishka shed her outer tunic, leaving her bindings on over her breasts. It was a tight band of fabric that supported her high, firm breasts in tight leather but was supple from years of wear. The mounds were held firm by that piece of leather and she adjusted the straps as she moved her arms for greater movement. Nodding to his silent query, both stepped back into the ring and immediately began to circle once again. The only difference was that Rayce joined in as well. Mishka 62

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knew she had to really keep on her toes. She had been training with Rayce for over five years, but Hawk was an unknown combatant. A shout rang out in the courtyard, but they ignored it and the sounds of running feet as the other soldiers finally caught on to what was happening. Hushed whispers were hissed back and forth as they made wagers on who would come out on top. As if in complete agreement, both Rayce and Mishka growled, their rumbling overlapping one another. A silence fell, many of the soldiers knowing what that rumbling meant, and what would happen if they didn’t fall into silence. They both shared a knowing smile before settling down to their match. She swished her tail back and forth, gauging her range of motion while she watched both men. Rayce was the first to attack, coming in almost in her blind spot. He aimed a kick towards her knee. Quickly, she dove and rolled out of the way, coming up on the other side of him, lashing out with a fist to his shoulder. Grunting, he almost went down but managed to keep his feet. He hissed at her and moved in. While Mishka kept her eyes on Rayce, she forgot to watch Hawk who was now moving in behind her. At the last second she saw his shadow directly behind her before he wrapped his arms around her, under her arms and clasped his fingers behind her neck. Pinned as she was, he lifted her off her feet and with a yell, brought her down quickly. Good-natured groans and boos filled the air. Mishka wasn’t about ready to give up, and with a lash with her tail she knocked him in the arm, loosening his hold so that she could flip him over, effectively pinning him with her sitting on his chest, knees on either side of him, under his arms, her hands pinning his arms to the ground. Her troops cheered as she grinned down at him. Rayce, not to be outdone, tackled her, rolling her body off Hawk and bending over her in a similar pose, the only difference was that she could feel the hard ridge of his cock pressing into her stomach as he put his weight on her arms, grinning down at her, his hair covering her face. She lay there stunned for a moment, staring into his eyes as they both tried to catch their breaths. Sweat literally poured off the, their hair wet with it. “Come on you two.” Hawk said good-naturedly, “To the baths.” The soldiers cheered because their commander had pinned Hawk, but also because Rayce had pinned her. She had the loyalty of her soldiers behind her and those who were loyal didn’t care about the fact that she now had spots and a tail. Rayce rolled off her in a smooth motion, and she tried to ignore the fact that he had been sitting on her, hard as a rock. Now was not the time to allow lust to rule her 63

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when she had half her teams standing around watching them. She rolled to a sitting position and stretched her arms above her head, aware of the fact that Hawk and Rayce both watched her with heated looks. A few of the soldiers followed them to the baths, many resumed their training but called out jokes to them as they passed. Each took it in stride as they entered the building.

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Chapter Nine

“What has your spy found out?” Elaine paced from one end of the room to the other, biting her thumbnail as she glared at nothing. Each minute, each hour was pure agony. The last report was bad enough for her plan, but if her spies couldn’t come up with more information, she was sunk. Angelia straightened the bed and began folding up clothing as she watched her mistress out of the corner of her eye. “Nothing yet. Don’t worry.” She smiled slightly, “My brother is very thorough and he will get a report to me as soon as he can. There will be people watching now that they have discovered the poison. They have doubled the guard on the Emperor even as he is happily playing with the prisoners. He is well out of the way right now, believe me. Lord Hawk and the others are going to keep it from him as long as possible.” Eyes sparkling with the rage she felt, Elaine glared at her maid. “I want no slip ups this time. We need to get someone to administer the poison to him as soon as possible.” Angelia stiffened, and slowly stood, “Did I, or did I not, say my brother is handling it?” she said softly, her eyes boring holes into Elaine. Coward that she was, Elaine evaded eye contact and moved to the lounge, falling artfully on the couch. Her dress settled in a cloud around her as she looked pitifully but beautiful. “Please don’t be angry at me, darling.” She pouted, believing she knew what Angelia wanted. “Once they are out of the way we can begin the second phase of our plan. The Emperor will never suspect, nor will anyone link it to us.” Angelia smirked with her back turned to the vapid creature in the next room. Elaine believed she would one day be Empress of this galaxy. She would never live to see the day, which Angelia would make sure of. “Of course, darling.” Angelia purred silkily as she moved into the room, smiling to show she wasn’t cross with the woman before her. True Elaine was pretty, but she was also vain, and spoiled. Angelia despised her for merely existing, but in order for her plan to work, she needed the woman on her side. “Everything will come out right in the end. You will see.” **** 65

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They entered the washroom and saw that it was empty; no less than ten large tubs were all constantly filled with hot water. Steam rose through the room by special heated rock beds, making the room not only for bathing, but a sauna as well. Walking past the first few tubs Mishka moved away from the two men and dropped her jacket and shirt onto the bench beside the hot rocks in the special container. The glow from the stones lit her skin like a deep bronze. Turning, she sat down, careful to move her tail out of the way she began to unlace her boots, dropping them haphazardly on the stone floor. Instantly, a chill shot up her foot despite the heat of the room. Hawk and Rayce were talking to another communications officer who had entered, searching for them. Shrugging, she unwound her hair from the thick rope she had secured earlier and ran her fingers through the mass, scratching her scalp and easing the tension in her neck. Many times she had thought about just cutting the whole mass off, but something always held her back and rather than have to grow it back, she merely maintained it with a trip every now and then. Standing up she unbuttoned her pants and let them slide over her hips to the floor, using her foot to push them aside. The tub just to her left was wide enough for ten to sit comfortably and deep enough to reach her waist if she stood. Sunk into the floor, the wood was rounded and supported from underneath the flooring. Wincing as she stepped into the heated water, she sat down gingerly onto the seat built into the tub itself. The heat immediately relaxed every muscle in her legs and arms. With a relieved groan she submerged herself up to the neck and closed her eyes. The steam rose around her head easing the tension as she let her mind go blank. She could hear both men still moving around the room, but coming closer to the tub she lounged in. A sense of lethargy encased her in a bubble of contentment so great, she almost purred. She began to notice certain things about her since she was injured. At one time, she used to hate water, choosing showers instead of baths, and swimming wasn’t something she did. Now even the smell of water gave her the urge to swim for hours. Even the feel of water had changed for her. What was once gritty and stinging, was now soothing and addictive. Unconsciously, she tilted her head and a strange rumbling sound entered her throat. Not quite a purr, but not quite a growl either, it was somewhere in between. She could feel herself floating but her mind was numb to what was going on around her. She jerked awake when Hawk and Rayce splashed into the water, jostling her and causing her to cough as water slapped her in the face. Glaring at them, Mishka straightened and tried to slip back into that restive mood she’d been in before they woke her. 66

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Hawk merely smiled at her, his eyes glinted with mischief as she bristled. Rayce slid closer to her, and grabbed the bottle of liquid cleansing soap. She wrinkled her nose at the antibiotic smell of the clear liquid and grabbed her own bottle, a special blend of herbs and flowers from her home world. There was a heady smell of musk and herbs as she poured some in her hand, then lathering her hair. Still miffed at the two, she ignored them. Hawk moved up behind her and moved her hands out of the way, slipping his strong large hands into her hair, massaging her scalp as well as working up lather through the dark strands. Thick creamy foam slid over his hands and arms, as well as her neck, sliding down her shoulders and chest to the water. Rayce, discarding the antiseptic soap lathered up the sponge in his hands and began to idly wash her arms, picking up one hand, holding her arm out and running the sponge down the underside of her arms, along her elbow to her wrist, making sure he left no spot untended. Mishka groaned in pleasure as she felt those hands massaging her arms and shoulders, the feel of the sponge smoothing along her skin was pure heaven. Letting her head fall back, she closed her eyes and let the feeling take her away. There were no sexual overtones to them bathing her, it was as if they merely wanted to touch her, and retain simple contact with her by whatever means they could. With a gentle shove, Hawk pressed her head under the water, allowing her to get her breath before being submerged in the hot water. The feeling of the swirling bubbles that were washed out of her hair tickled her face and nose as they floated up to the surface of the water. Strong hands rinsed the soap out of her hair, smoothing it away from her face as she broke the surface. Cradling her face in his hands, Hawk stared somberly into her eyes, gray meeting rich amber. “Would you do the honor of dining with us this evening?” the gentleman in him coming to the forefront as if he was asking for a boon from his lady. Startled at the intimacy in his voice, Mishka merely looked at him for a silent moment. Behind her Rayce moved closer, his hands going to her shoulders, “Please have dinner with us?” the yearning in his voice undid her as she helplessly nodded, a trembling whimper escaping. Without another word, they finished their bath. Hawk climbed from the pool and slipped on his robe, then grabbing hers, he held his hand out for her to grab, assisting her from the water. Once enclosed in her own robe, Rayce scrambled out behind them. They left her at her door, leaving for a few minutes to get dressed. Slipping her door closed, she left the lights off, preferring to navigate by the fire recently tended by 67

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one of the lower ranking soldiers. There were no servants in her outfit, merely duties handed out on every landing. Picking up the messages and reports that had been dropped off over most of the day she moved to her computer in the corner and started sorting through the information. Injury reports, stores reports, Intel received from the command, Intel received from the prisoners. The list went on and on. Dropping them on the table beside the running computer, she moved over to her trunk and pulled out a fresh outfit. A sudden shiver up her spine had her shifting slightly, a sense that she wasn’t alone filled her. Looking around the room revealed there was no one in the room but the sense of dread still filled her. “Lights on fifty percent.” The second the lights flared a shape slammed away from the wall, tackling her to the floor. All she could see was a dark shape, fur as thick as her hand flowed around her as gaping jaws moved in on her throat. A deep growling hiss filled the room before the beast erupted in snapping teeth and growls and yips as her hands pushed him off. Pulling up her legs she used her knees to fling the animal across the room. That was when she got her first look at the figure. Dripping fangs dripped saliva as it watched her with deep black eyes that seemed to swallow all light. Back up, its three tails flailed madly against stone and wood as it stalked her. She gauged the animal as it moved, spikes along the ridge of its head said she couldn’t crush his skull. She could feel her own canines lengthening, a growl working its way up her throat as she hunched down, blindly grabbing her dagger in her trunk. Moving out of the corner she kept her eyes on her prey. How it got in the room was anyone’s guess, but she really didn’t care at this point. Total instinct took over as she stalked the beast. She could feel a tingling through her arms and legs as she moved. Her spots flared to life as she crouched down, ready to pounce if the beast made a move towards her. Cornered, the animal shifted on its hind legs, preparing to leap over the bed at her. Her swirling eyes almost hypnotized it as she moved closer. A sense of anticipation for the kill filled her mind as she lightly leapt over the bed pushing him the opposite direction away from her computer and towards the trunks. She could feel her mouth watering for fresh meat. Instead of moving in the direction she wanted, the beast sprang at her, gaping jaws opening as it roared and snapped. Tackling her, they went to the floor, its claws ripping open her right arm, blood spilling from the wound. Gritting her teeth, she tried to grip the dagger tighter, only to find that her and refused to obey. It must have inflicted 68

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severe damage to her arm. Mishka raised her left arm and in a deft move she wrapped it around the animal’s neck and moved to its side. Her own tail wrapped around its three securing it in a hold as she felt her nails lengthen into claws. With a snarling growl, she sheathed her claws into its back and neck, ripping wildly. The animal let out a frightened yip, the sound echoing off the walls. Falling over her prey, she straddled it, easily pinning its legs to keep from getting gashed again. The sound of running boots could be heard beyond the yipping and howling of the animal. Panting now, she tore into the beast, ripping its throat out, blood rising up and covering her. She ignored the door crashing open behind her as she hacked at the animal. Slowly, its thrashing slowed and then stopped altogether. Blood coated her from head to toe as she panted, her head falling forward. “What the hell?” the voice startled her and her head jerked up, the eyes that met her were wide and startled at seeing her strange eyes. They swirled and changed shape into feline eyes. Its black center elongated and slitted, they were brighter amber, glaring at the interruption. “Commander?” the soldier eased back before calling for help. More boots could be heard coming from down the hall. Hawk and Rayce reached the room and pushed the agitated soldier out of the way. Mishka crouched in front of her kill, growling, her fangs curving over her lips as she hissed at them. Rayce said something to her but she couldn’t reply. The red fury haze enveloping her brain still had yet to leave her. Instinct ruled her. Slowly she climbed off the beast that lay bleeding out on her floor. Grabbing it by the neck, she pulled it along with her as she scrambled into a corner between the wall and the fireplace. Growling in frustration, Hawk pushed his way in. A hand on his arm stopped him. “No. She is working on instinct right now. It’s her kill and she will defend it even if it means killing everyone who comes in here.” “She’s bleeding.” The thought of her being hurt overloaded every other thought in his brain as he argued with Rayce. “I know, but if you go in there right now, she will kill you. She doesn’t know any of us right now.” Turning to the soldiers, “Someone get Angorn and a tranq dart. Move!” his bellow echoed down the hall as he turned back to watch her. Mishka watched the men filling the doorway through the fall of her hair, still matted with blood. All she could smell was the death of the animal before her, mixed with the scent of her own blood. Turning her head slightly she saw the gash in her arm still flowing. 69

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Sniffing, Mishka turned her attention back to the strangers before her. Watching them, she eased back further into the corner, dragging her kill with her. A low growling filled her throat as she watched them. Her whole body trembled with the combination of adrenaline and fatigue. Her fangs bit into her lips as she clenched her teeth against the instinct to defend herself from these men. The one on the right smelled familiar. His tawny hair, colors all moving into one mass seemed alive as it fell down his back. Narrowing her eyes she watched him. The one on the left didn’t worry her much. Instinct told her that this Cormidion before her knew what she could do and was cautioning the others not to come in the room. The sounds of boots meeting stone echoed around her as the soldier came back. He held something in his hand, and was followed by another older man. His white beard and hair sharply contrasted with everyone else in the hall. Eyeing them, ready to defend herself at any wrong move. Noticing the man palm the item the other soldier gave him, he evaded eye contact with her. A warning hit her a split second before he threw the syringe with deadly accuracy. The needle imbedded in her neck and automatically depressed. Mishka could feel the drug enter her system, at first a tingle running up and down her arms and legs. Then a strange lethargy filled her and her mind went numb. She tried to keep her eyes open and watch the men who now watched her with intense stares. She growled sleepily, a warning not to come close to her. The pain in her arm lessened and then evaporated all together as the weightless feeling intensified. Hawk saw the changes slowly, first her eyes, then her fangs started to retract back into her mouth, her claws retracted and began to look like her normal hands once more. Lastly, her spots started to fade slowly. Mishka looked confused as she looked at the dead animal before her, and then the blood coating her robe and her body. Her eyes looked drugged, and she had trouble keeping them open. Slouched against the wall, she released the animal and sat there dazed. It took her a few minutes to remember what had happened. “It was in here. Someone let that thing in the complex and locked it in my room.” Her voice was sluggish and confused as she tried to make sense of what happened. Who would do this? Any other person it would have torn them to shreds before anyone could get in to the room to help. She looked up at Hawk and Rayce, “Someone let that thing in my room to kill me.” “Round up everyone who had watch,” the rage overwhelmed him as he roared down the hall, “Question everyone. I want to know who brought that thing in the complex and who covered it up.” 70

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Her last sight was Hawk kneeling beside her, moving the now dead animal off her lap and allowing someone else to dispose of it. Rayce bent down on the other side and picked her up as if she was a child. Rubbing her face into his shirt, she inhaled the clean strong scent of him. Her mind empty and her body numb, she closed her eyes and allowed sleep to overtake her. “Bring her to medical now.” Angorn turned and walked quickly in front of them down the hall. Several of the soldiers still housed in medical sat up or their gazes sharpened as Rayce brought the unconscious Mishka, their fearless commander, into the room. As she was laid out on the makeshift gurney, they stood back and allowed the healers room to work, but did not leave the room. Hawk’s eyes mirrored Rayce’s in their rage and helplessness. Rage, at the thought that one of their own would actively set out to harm their commander and helplessness because they could not heal her in the way Angorn and his people could. “I want a guard on her. No one gets close to her except Angorn, me or you.” He waited until they both nodded and then watched as the healers got to work. They worked quickly but efficiently, cutting away the robe and cleaning the blood off so they could see the wound. Three equally long slashes started at the back of her bicep and curved around her arm to the front. Rayce winced mentally at the wound. It would be difficult to heal from that was for sure and it being her dominant hand, she would be out of commission for some time. They would need to give the arm plenty of time to heal completely before she would be allowed back in the field. Both men’s eyes met and the understanding was there. Despite how bad the wound was, this meant she would not be going into combat any time soon. Time would be needed for the muscle damage to heal, and the wound to completely close before the healers could do an evaluation. Mishka slept blissfully unaware of the complications that were going to rain down on her. **** Unknown to them, a figure watched the whole proceedings with an expression bordering on madness. Eyes flared with hatred as the figure watched Hawk carry the object of his affection. He should be the one dead. The inner voice taunted, you failed the mistress once again, you idiot. With a wheezing cry, he folded in on himself, invisible to the others in the complex. No one could hear or see him, with the cloaking suit on. It should have been so simple to kill the Lord Commander but his men hadn’t counted on the woman going into the forest before him. Now she was the one with the poison, and they were 71

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searching for the components around the clock. Soon they would find where the components came from. That alone would take weeks to track down who bought or stole them. He laughed to himself as he congratulated himself on that little plan succeeding. His smile turned into a grimace when the voice came back, but for all your planning, the poison failed. You failed. The mistress isn’t pleased. You aren’t fit to lick her feet. The voice sneered inside his mind, making his eyes film with tears of frustration. The plan was fool proof, until his men fucked it up and hit the wrong person. His second plan, to cover his tracks, was to kill the woman. But she was a legend among the forces. Everyone scrambled to get a spot on her teams and she was known as a ferocious fighter. He had captured a Darondi Beast, tranqing it and depositing it in her room without anyone seeing. There had been a moment when the beast had snuffled in its sleep, as he passed a set of the guards, but with the cloaking suit on cloaking them, they wouldn’t see him or the Darondi Beast as they entered her rooms. Depositing the beast in the shadowed corner and turning out the lights, he thought he had effectively secured her demise. But that failed too didn’t it you fool. The voice cackled, maddening and frightening, roiling around in his brain like an eel. He slowly rocked back and forth, his arms around his body, trying to regain his calm. His sister entrusted him with this mission and it wasn’t going to plan. The mistress would kill him if he failed in killing the Lord Commander. It must be tonight, you simpering fool. The voice hissed, kill the Lord Commander tonight. Taking a relaxing breath, he turned and skimmed his way out of the complex to the small hut a few hundred yards outside the proximity grid. The guards patrolling the wall wouldn’t see him enter or leave the hut and he could get some sleep before he attempted to kill the Lord Commander. He needed time to plan, and time to rest. The sun was going down and he had a few hours before the midnight guards would be less and he would be able to slip inside without attracting notice. Slipping into the small hut, he fell onto the bed in the corner, the shutters closed against any who might peek in, and fell into a dreamless sleep. He would plan when he woke up.

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Chapter Ten

By the time Mishka was settled into a new room, her personal equipment was moved and set up exactly as she left it, and settled into the bed, everyone had relaxed somewhat. They were still questioning all the guards on duty throughout the day, and no one had heard anything. One guard had said he heard a snuffling sound, but after investigating, he found nothing out of the ordinary. That caused a little concern, but it was easily overlooked. Looking down at her laying in peaceful repose, Hawk slowly unbuttoned his shirt, revealing his strong chest, muscles rippling as he eased the fabric off his arms. His eyes conveyed the fatigue that filled him. All he wanted to do was curl around her and sleep silently for the next five days without interruption. Fatigue weighed him down as he lowered himself to the bed, slipping under the blankets. Her body was warm and supple as he moved in close, pulling her into his chest. He watched Rayce shed his clothing. He looked as tired as he felt. Sitting on his side of the bed, the man looked beaten, exhausted. “Get in bed, Rayce.” His voice was soft as he spoke to the other man. “Let it go until tomorrow.” “She almost died today.” His voice was flat but the tension in his shoulders told of the rage that moved through him. “She was almost taken from us and there was nothing I could do to stop it.” “She is still alive, and needs us to be there for her. Forget what happened in the past, look at what is here right now and we deal with that now.” Looking over his shoulder, his eye filled with uncontrollable rage he hissed, “She could have died. I don’t think I can live without her!” Even as they tried to keep quiet, Mishka woke when Hawk slipped in next to her. Hearing their whispering she remained still, eyes closed and boneless. Hearing the misery and rage in Rayce’s voice she sluggishly placed a hand on his back. She felt him stiffen but kept her hand there. “Come to bed, Rayce.” Her voice slurred with the combination of drugs in her system and the sleepiness still weighing heavily on her. “I need you both to hold me. Just hold me.” Mishka’s voice wavered and dropped to a whisper as sleep claimed her 73

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once again. Her hand slipped from his back and fell onto the bed, fingers curled in lightly. She was unaware when Rayce hung his head and pulled her hand to his lips. Inhaling her scent, he pressed a kiss to the back of her hand before tucking it back over her chest on top of the covers. She barely stirred when he slipped in next to her, settling with a heavy sigh. Hawk closed his eyes and prayed hard to the goddess that this woman live. He kissed her exposed shoulder and settled down for the night. Listening to their breathing, both Mishka and Rayce, soothed his soul for the first time in many years. As his body relaxed, he let his mind empty of everything going on. He forgot about the Emperor who was still happily interrogating the prisoners below, the scientists who were working on the computers, everything drifted away. He was warm, and with the woman he loved. It was enough for right now. **** The assassin crept through the empty halls of the complex, heading directly towards the room his intelligence officers informed him was Hawk’s quarters. Secure in the knowledge that his cloaking suit was working perfectly, he gripped his dagger in his hand as he made his way. He would not fail this night, “I swear I will kill him and return to Elaine a hero in her eyes.” He was filled with determination as he reached his destination. It was late, about two hours into the new day when he entered the quarters. With his night vision goggles he was able to see without having to turn on the lights. As soon as the door was closed he swept the room. The bed remained made, and the trunks that belonged to Hawk all graced one wall, neatly stacked and lined against the stone. He hissed as he discovered that his prey wasn’t even in the room. He would have to retreat until he could discover where the man was hiding himself. Madness almost overwhelmed him as he moved back into the hall. As he did, he failed to see the guard that was almost on top of him. He hit the wall with an audible thud as the guard ran into him. “What the…” his startled cry was cut short as the dagger slashed his throat, blood immediately pouring out of his neck. He slumped to the ground, his boots echoing in the hall as they fell heavily. Leaving the man where he lay, the assassin hurried out the main doors before the death was reported. He was almost to the edge of the perimeter when the cry was raised, and soldiers began to swarm the complex. He silently snickered to himself, as he was able to get away. Reaching for his belt, he found the holder empty; his dagger lost 74

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somewhere, possibly in the complex. A worried wrinkle appeared on his forehead. Looking back at all the soldiers swarming, he just had a feeling that the dagger was on the dead soldier or near it. Screwed up again I see. You are just too pathetic. The voice returned bordering on screaming at him. Wincing he gathered himself and frowned, “I did what I had to do. I wasn’t about to get caught by those Imperial soldiers. I would rather try again.” He pouted, his ears turning red. Well you need to contact sister anyway. Let them know of this latest development and see her let her temper loose on you. Sneering at him, the voice seemed to grow in volume each time it spoke to him. Wincing he rubbed his temple as he turned from the complex to the hut. Already his adrenaline levels were dropping and he could feel sweat dripping down his back. The chill in the night air caused him to shiver slightly as he entered from the back side. Unlocking his cloaking suit, he dropped wearily on the bed and peeked through the slats. Inside the compound the lights were blazing and the guards were searching everywhere. They wouldn’t find him that’s for sure, he thought to himself, as she lay down on the pillow feeling smug. He kept evading the soldiers but always managed to fail. **** Inside, the soldiers who had come running, managed to get the downed man to the healers just in time. Already expending awesome amounts of energy to the wounded, they worked furiously to the point of fainting to bring the man back from death. Hawk was standing aside, blearily watching them work. All he wanted to do was go back to bed but this took precedence. They had found a dagger near his body. As he thrashed holding his neck, blood pouring out of the wound, he managed to point to the lethal weapon on the ground. It was now secure in the high security room, guarded around the clock. In the morning they would conduct tests on the blade to see if they can identify the owner. But for now, Hawk watched the healers work on the man so he could see if he could gather any information. He couldn’t help but speculate that they were heading in the wrong direction. Maybe Mishka wasn’t the target. He worried his lip with his finger as he thought about it. The body of the soldier was found outside his room, but any one of his people knew he was sleeping in Mishka’s room for the past week. Maybe the beast in her room was just a diversion meant to throw them off the track. It seemed too coincidental to overlook. He would need to talk to the wounded man soon to see what he remembered. 75

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There was now a clean white bandage circling the man’s neck and there was a pallor to his face telling them that he had lost a lot of blood. Angorn ordered blood to be supplied to him immediately and then walked over to where Hawk stood. “You won’t be able to talk to him right away Hawk.” He said bluntly, an angry grimace twisting his features. “Were getting more and more wounded from this outside source. And it’s all aimed at you and Mishka. What the devil is going on here?” he hissed, not wanting to upset the others in the room. Hawk remained silent as the litter was carried out; back to the medical recovery room they had been in just hours ago. When they had passed he said softly, “That man may know something that can narrow it down. For now, we need to test the blade for an identification signature. I want to know what we’re dealing with. Who is its target? I can’t tell if it’s me or Mishka.” “Well, Mishka was hit with the poison, and the beast in her room.” Angorn walked back to his desk. “Yes, but what if I was the target to begin with? She wouldn’t have been hit with the arrows in the first place. And what if they put the beast in her room to tie up a loose end? My guess is the poison in her system is one of the keys. What have you found out?” He leaned against the desk and looked down at the healer. “There were fifteen components in the poison,” he handed Hawk a report. “Only eight were readily available on any planet. The other seven however,” he paused frowning, “are only available on seven planets in the Empire. Each planet keeps strict records as to who purchases what amount. It is monitored closely. The chances of stealing some of these components aren’t out of the realm of possibility, but it would be really tricky. We will need to send men out to each planet and dig through their records. I would say for the past two years and see who pops up on the radar. Meanwhile,” he stood up and poured himself a cup of hot chocolate, “I would suggest that you three get off this planet, hide yourselves for a few weeks until we can get this straightened out. Take Mishka back to Cormidion, see what their officials and scientists can make out of her mutations.” “We’ll discuss it later. First I want to see what that soldier knows. He took a hit possibly meant for me and I will make sure he has the best available care.” Standing up, Hawk strode out the door and entered the Mishka’s room quietly. She was still asleep, but Rayce was sitting up, his head against the headboard. “Another ambush?” Rayce said softly as Hawk moved to take off his clothes. “Yes. One of the guards; his throat was cut but the healers managed to seal the wound before he died. We should be able to talk to him later today. I’ll fill you in on the 76

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rest later. Right now I want to sleep. Something tells me we won’t get much in the next few days.” Rayce silently agreed, smelling something in the air that wasn’t pleasant. They were wrong. It took another three days before the soldier was well enough to talk and even then it was at a whisper. Sitting on the chair provided, Hawk spoke quietly to the wounded man. “Can you tell me anything about that night, Captain?” He swallowed painfully before he started “I was making my regular rounds sir. Making sure all the doors were locked and no one was about except the others on duty. I had just reached your quarters when the door closed by itself. I thought maybe someone just went in. As I walked to the door, something brushed up against me and grunted. Just as I reached for my weapon sir, a blade just sliced me. At first it wasn’t there, just the feeling of it you know?” his eyes begged for understanding. “Then I heard booted feet running, and the dagger fell to the floor right where it was found. I think someone had a cloaker on. But I can’t be positive. I only know I didn’t see anyone but the dagger sliced me somehow.” Just like the beast in Mishka’s room, he thought. Hawk nodded to the Captain, “I understand completely. You just supplied us with more information than what we had and that’s saying something. You get some rest, Captain.” **** Mishka woke from a dead sleep with Rayce’s arms wrapped around her. Inhaling his heady scent she lay there for a few moments, reveling in the peace of the moment. She felt her wound give a pulsing throb when ever she moved the wrong way but other than that she felt rested and secure. Moving her head slightly she noticed several things. One was where her hand lay under the covers. Just inches away from his cock where it lay on his stomach. The second was that he was hard, even in sleep. A wicked thought flitted across her mind and her mouth began to water at the thought of taking his cock in her mouth. Gently moving out of his arms, he didn’t even stir when she pulled the covers away, revealing his chest and going lower. His cock curved upward, arching to his stomach. Long and hard, she savored the silky feel of him as she gripped him lightly. Looking at his face she saw he was still asleep. Not for long, she thought wickedly. Her eyes started to glow with an inner light. Her eyes traveled a path from his neck, down his chest where the skin was smooth and hairless. Down his stomach where his abdominal muscles rippled whenever he breathed. Settling between his thighs she slowly ran her palms up and down his legs as she lowered her mouth to suckle the head of his cock. She could taste the salty taste of him 77

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and her mouth watered for more. Probing the slit at the tip of his cock, she let her tongue wander. Tracing around the ridge, and along the hard vein on the underside, she sucked him into her mouth. She had to be careful of her teeth because it seemed her fangs were a permanent fixture in her mouth now. Thankfully they retracted somewhat when she wasn’t fighting for her life. As she pulled back, she hollowed her cheeks, applying suction. She watched him through her lashes as she went down a second time, slower, letting the wetness build up in her mouth, flicking her tongue softly against his cock. His chest rose and fell as he surfaced from sleep to the ravenous pleasure that shot through him. Looking down the length of his body, Rayce felt her before he saw her. Her hair falling around his groin, shielding most of her face from him, but her hands gripped him firmly as she pulled back, applying suction once more. His back bowed off the bed, hands clenched in the sheets as he groaned deeply. He tried to thrust deeper into her mouth, but she tightened her hold on him. The silent warning was more than enough to keep him back. Teeth clenched, he held back the building pressure rolling through his body, sending blood straight to his groin. Finally, Mishka released his cock and looked up at him, digging her nails into his thighs slightly drawing them down. She left red streaks with her nails but he didn’t mind a bit when she slithered up his body, straddling his waist. His cock butted up against her clit causing her to hiss, throwing her head back. His hands went to her waist and with a firm clasp, pulled her up and directly down on his cock. Both groaned at the deep penetration of his thrust. Precious seconds went by as neither moved. They savored the feel. Mishka felt full to bursting and it was glorious. She leaned forward and braced her hands on his rock hard chest, peering straight into his eyes. Her chest heaved as she tried to control her breathing, which caused her breasts to sway temptingly at him. Dipping his head slightly he latched onto one nipple, biting with just the right amount of pressure that had her hissing once more and settling deeper on his cock. Her walls clenched every so often as he worried her nipple. What he felt was more elemental than just sex. They were making a connection. He had studied the old ways of their people when many of them had forgotten their history. He knew that mates were forever. One just did not leave if things went wrong between them. Because of their once proud warrior race, they would fight it out working their own problems out. A thought filtered through his heated thoughts. The mating bite. 78

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Still connected within her weeping tissues, Rayce swiftly but gently rolled her over, careful of her shoulder, until she lay beneath him, staring bewildered up at him. With the primal feelings released within him, he snarled deep in his chest, baring his teeth as he plunged deep within in her over and over. All Mishka could do was wrap her hands around his arms and hold on. Instinct took over. She could feel her fangs lengthening as she threw her head back and let loose a howl of pleasure as she felt her orgasm race towards her like a comet. When it impacted all she could do was hold on as she cried. Rayce answered her cry with one of his own. Leaning over her, still thrusting, he savagely bit her in the shoulder, his own fangs sinking deep into her shoulder. With the power of her orgasm buffeting her, and his cock pulsing in her, she wasn’t prepared for the fire works that hit her when he latched onto her. There was a vague warning in her brain before the animal inside her roared. Rearing back, she struck fast, sinking in deep on his shoulder, drinking the blood that flowed. Something told her that this meant something deeply profound and her life would never be the same again. She could feel him hardening even further within in her and still he thrust, even as he sucked at her shoulder. With a glorious howl, he bowed his back, releasing her shoulder. Blood stained his mouth as he hissed, his eyes swirling with power. She felt the warm flow of his cum flowing into her, filling every recess inside her. With his orgasm so hot and powerful, she was unaware of climbing once again, crying out as she came once more. Her legs wrapped around his waist and clenched tight. She wanted him there for some time. As they came down from their ultimate climax a rumbling purr filled the room coming from both of them. Languidly, she sprawled on the bed, drifting off once more, with some kind of warning still beating in the back of her brain. Turning her head slightly she saw that the bite mark on his shoulder was already closing. Frowning, she thought it strange to have it heal so quickly, but she couldn’t hold the thought for very long and it drifted away. Hawk entered the room and viewed both on the bed, blankets thrown wildly, the pillows thrown on the floor and a smile gripped him. The smell of sex still filled the air as he walked closer to the bed. Rayce lay with his head pillowed on her breast, eyes closed in utter contentment. “What have you learned?” His sleepy growl prodded Mishka to move. With a graceful stretch, Mishka moved her tail to wrap around Hawk’s wrist leaning into the mattress. 79

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“Someone wearing a stealth suit has entered the complex twice, maybe more. He tried to take out one of the guards, but we managed to keep him alive. A dagger was retrieved from the scene and they are testing it now.” Hawk leaned over and pulled off his boots before stretching out on the bed. “So who’s the target?” Mishka frowned over this new information. “We’re still not sure. It could be you, it could be me, hell it could be all three of us. They tracked down most of the components used in the poison. Seven components are only found on specific planets and are regulated to the extreme. We may be able to find out more information. I am going to send men to each planet and have them look at the records. If we can find a commonality maybe we can find who is behind this.” Mishka looked at him and noticed new shadows under his eyes. “You look tired, Hawk.” Leaning over him she stroked the side of his face with her hand. “Maybe we should all rest today?” It was phrased as a question but it was meant as an order. Hawk let out a tired laugh and conceded to her wishes. They would spend the day resting up because who knew what the assassin had in store for them tomorrow. Dimming the lights they all slept, wrapped around each other; drawing energy from one another, storing it for when it was needed. **** In a hut just beyond the compound, Tarik, royal assassin and Angelia’s brother, transmitted his follow-up report to his sister. The sun was high in the sky already and he was watching for any sign of his quarry. He had bungled things badly earlier, leaving his dagger behind, but it couldn’t be helped. With his portable scanner, he located where Hawk was sleeping now. The bitch and the bird must die! The voice screamed at him causing him to wince at the bite of pain. You fail at the simplest of plans! The Consort will never take you to her bed unless you succeed simpleton! “I will succeed. Just shut up already!” he hissed quietly, not wanting to give his location away; listening to his scanner, he learned that the dagger was now being tested. They wouldn’t find anything linking to him but time was getting tight. Already they knew where the components for the poison came from and he was sure they would be sending out people to research the buyers. Glaring with overpowering rage at the complex, Tarik whispered, “I will succeed in killing them all.” Blinding pain hit him in his temples, causing spots to appear in his vision. He could feel the entity inside him fighting to get out, to take control. Fighting for calm, he beat the entity back into the dark place in his mind. Echoing laughter filled his mind as 80

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the entity was locked away once again. His last thought was that time was running out. For everyone. **** Angelia entered the gilded room reserved for the Consort. Elaine lay on her bed, looking into her mirror admiring the new jewels sent by the Emperor. A sly smile graced her face, letting the façade she posed for the rest of the world drop away while behind her closed doors. “Do you like my new necklace?” Elaine murmured to her maid as she stroked the fire bright stones around her neck. Calculating the worth of each stone silently, she purred with joy at the present. “Karvon had them sent to me. I hear the other ladies are green with envy.” She referred to those who waited the Emperor’s pleasure within the harem. Her first order of business would be to dispatch each and every one of those cackling hags below. Once the Emperor was out of the way she could do anything she wanted. “My lady.” The tone Angelia used caused Elaine to lower her mirror and grow somber. “What is it?” Elaine snapped. “My brother reports that they have discovered the components to the poison. It will not be easy for them to track them to us, but eventually they will find out.” “Well, if he had killed Hawk when he was supposed to there wouldn’t be any need to worry would there?” Rolling off the bed, Elaine headed towards her closet, not even looking at the maid who now glared at her with open hostility. “What about Hawk and the commander?” “Tarik reports that the beast he smuggled into the complex did not kill the commander. She merely killed the animal and went into a rage, corroborated by several other sources. The poison did not do its job on her.” “Of course not!” Screaming, Elaine slammed the doors to her armoire. “The poison was designed specifically for Hawk. Who knows what it will do to the Cormidion.” “That is not all, my lady.” Angelia sighed, “Tarik tried once again to kill Hawk, and failed. When he discovered Hawk did not reside in the appointed rooms, he left. But he ran into a guard. He was forced to kill the man.” Angelia’s eyes were downcast to hide her shame that Tarik had failed on so many levels. “He is supposed to be one of the best assassins in the Empire.” Sneering, Elaine she spat the words out at the maid. 81

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“His prey is more cunning this time. He has said that he will not rest until both are dead. This he swears to you.” “I want their heads.” She turned away from the maid. Angelia blinked in confusion. “Their heads?” “Yes Angelia.” Elaine’s words were now sweet, as if talking to a child, “I. Want. Their. Heads. In a basket, in a trunk, I don’t care what he puts them in, but I want their heads before me.” The hardness of her eyes caused Angelia to sweat beneath her gown. She was losing control of her puppet, Angelia decided. If she was forced to kill Elaine before the Emperor was dispatched, then the whole plan would unravel. “I swear it will be as you have instructed, my lady.” Angelia bowed and backed from the room. She would have to come up with a contingency plan in case the Consort became too much of a problem. Right now she was riding high on power and pretty baubles. When the blood started being spilled, then things might change. Angelia didn’t want to have any surprises come up. A secondary plan just might help matters. If she can dispatch the Consort before killing the Emperor…the thought flittered through her mind. Yes, things just might be salvageable.

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Chapter Eleven

As night approached, Mishka found herself on the upper walk, watching as the sun sank beneath the horizon. It never failed to amaze her that whichever planet she was on at any given time, the sunsets were always unique and fascinating. The hues ranged from faint yellow to deep red, casting its colors on the clouds above her. She could hear the nightly guard being sent on their rounds, muted by the steel and concrete between her and them. With a sigh, she settled more comfortably on the stone slab she was using as a perch. Running feet announced a private, panting, he stopped before her. “Commander! My lord Grayson sent me to find you. Rayce has fallen. He’s in medical!” Her eyes widened as she let out a snarl, shoving the private out of the way as she sprinted for the stairs. Panicked thoughts raced through her mind. She had just found them. She couldn’t lose either of them; they were both part of her soul now. Tears filmed over her eyes and she wiped them away as she stumbled down the stairs and into the hall. Her hair whipped wildly around her as she ran into medical. The sight of Rayce thrashing in the security bands, sweat pouring off him told her it was bad. “Report.” She her voice grated and harsh as she stopped before Angorn. Hawk pulled her back, wrapping his arms around her, inhaling her scent. When Rayce fell a strange panic overwhelmed him to the point that he was tearing into anyone who got close. Not understanding the bonding the three performed, it was a difficult feeling to deal with. Only with Mishka in his arms could he even begin to calm down enough to think. Angorn sighed and read the test results once more. “He was poisoned. Has he been wounded or even scratched at anytime in the last twenty four hours?” he looked at both of them making direct eye contact. Hawk silently shook his head, gripping Mishka tighter to him. She failed to notice as she thought back to their early time in the bed. She remembered clearly biting his shoulder, and him biting her almost in the same exact spot. Unconsciously her hand went to where the wound had been. 83

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“Damn it!” she snarled, closing her eyes at the overwhelming sense of panic fell over her sweeping her under like the tide. “Commander.” Angorns yell brought her back to the present. “You had better tell me now. I need all the information you can give me.” Swallowing tightly, Mishka leaned in close and whispered into his ear. She didn’t want what happened heard by the others in the medical room. Hawk would know just by the poison in Rayce’s system, how it got there. “I see. Well.” He blustered for a moment looking over the data, a blush staining his cheeks. Coughing once, he continued, “I can only surmise that because your blood has been mutated by the poison, Rayce will have the same effects you have had.” He glared at her, “Don’t go biting anyone else until we figure this out, Commander. We have no idea what your--your…” he waved his hand trying to come up with an explanation, “…venom is what we will call it for now. We don’t know what it will do to someone human or any other species. Until we know, I want you to keep your fangs to yourself.” “Understood.” Mishka looked away in misery. She had done this to Rayce without even knowing. Shame filled her. It was one thing for her to be experiencing this, but for one of her mates? She couldn’t lose him. Gripping his hand, he seemed to calm down. His breathing grew restive and the thrashing stopped until he just twitched every now and again. The minute her hand left his though, he started thrashing again. “Grip his hand again.” Angorn snapped moving back to the computer to read the system readings. “Your touch calms him. Until we learn more, you are going to be joined at the hip. I think it is safe to say we can move him, under sedation, back to your rooms. For now, you will have to stay with him until he comes out of it hopefully like you did.” It took a lot of maneuvering and four burly soldiers to move Rayce down the hall and back into his room. Hawk walked behind them, with Mishka beside Rayce, her hand firmly grasped in his. Once Rayce was settled on the bed, Mishka quickly pulled the blankets over him and lay down on top of the covers. Pulling him into her chest, she pillowed his head on her breast listening to his breathing. Hawk watched both of them, still feeling the chaotic emotions roiling through him. On a hunch he bent down with his knee on the bed, and touched her shoulder, smoothing his hand along her arm. Sure enough, the wave pulled back and he could breathe once again. When she looked over her shoulder, she smiled tremulously at him and held out a free hand, scooting over to make room for him on the big bed. 84

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Slipping in behind her, he wrapped his arms around her waist and inhaled her scent. “We will get through this.” Murmuring, he closed his eyes and welcomed the oblivion that was sleep. Mishka couldn’t lose herself in sleep. Worries and deeper feelings kept plaguing her for hours. But she contented herself in just holding and being held by her men. Watching the shadows move on the wall from the light of the fire she settled back and let the silence lull her into a half dream-like state. **** Inside Medical, Angorn frowned over the newest batch of reports from the tests he had taken on both Mishka and Rayce. The sequencing looked almost identical. “Angorn? The DNA almost matches. It’s as if the poison is mutating in the exact same pattern.” His assistant looked befuddled at the report. “Is that even possible?” “Apparently it is, otherwise, we wouldn’t be looking at it. “ Snapping off the viewer he paced back and forth before his assistant. “Contact the scientists on Cormidion. I want them on the screen now.” Within seconds the scientists on Cormidion were on the large view screen before them. “I’m sending you all the data we have.” He started moving back to his personal computer. “We’re at a loss and if were going to get anywhere we need your knowledge about the Cormidion’s.” “Agreed. You say you now have two cases?” The Cormidion looked at the incoming data and frowned. “Identical mutations,” Everyone bent over the computer and was reading the data, “Have you tracked down the components used in the poison?” “Yes, it’s all there in the reports. We have men going to the worlds which produce the components. They will look for a commonality. Right now were still gathering information. But,” he heaved a frustrated sigh, still frowning at the information before him. “We really don’t have that much to go on.” “Then I would suggest you send them here. We have the knowledge and the facilities to work the problem from here. With the Commander injured and Rayce fighting the poison, it would be better to have them here.” The Cormidion scowled at the information as did Angorn; fighting frustration and time they knew the answer better than anyone. “All right.” He had made his decision. “As soon as they are rested I’m going to order them back to Cormidion. There are just too many variables to deal with here. With the poison and the attacks on Hawk and Mishka we need to get them away from here.” “We will expect them within two weeks.” Signing off abruptly, they left Angorn to his work. 85

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“I want copies of everything we have about this on disc by tonight.” He looked over at his assistant once again, “I want everything ready for departure at a moments notice. I don’t want to lose anything.” They would make sure all the vials and tests were wrapped up nice and neat for the transport to Cormidion. Angorn sent word to the landing pad to make sure Mishka’s personal craft would ready at a moments notice. **** Two days later … “You aren’t moving from this bed and that’s final!” with her face inches away from Rayc, Mishka bared her fangs and yelled. “You just almost died, you idiot! If you move from this spot I am personally going to kick your ass all over this compound. You won’t have to worry about getting up because I will break all of your bones personally!” Both faced off as she sat on his stomach holding his arms above his head glaring down at him. “I’m fine damnit, get the hell off of me!” His eyes burned holes in her as he tried to buck her off. Hawk watched the wrestling match on the bed from a safe distance near the door. A smile stretched his face as he listened to them bickering like children but he was determined not to get involved. Personally, he felt Rayce should stay in bed another day. When he woke up earlier in the morning Rayce had demanded food and clothes in that order. Mishka had started ranting from that moment on. “Mishka, can we compromise?” Rayce took a calming breath even though he wanted to throttle her. Wary, Mishka loosened her hold slightly, “What compromise?” Watching him through narrowed eyes she eased back, her tail lashing in agitation her breathing harsh. “We both smell rank from staying in bed for three days.” He began shifting slightly to ease the tension in his groin brought on from their short wrestling match. He would admit to feeling as weak as a day old kitten. “Call for the healer, if he says it’s all right, I want a bath, food and a few hours out of this bed.” Sitting on her haunches, Mishka thought about what he said. Logically she knew what Rayce wanted because when she had woken up the first time from the poison that was what she wanted as well. “Fine,” she climbed off him to sit by his side on the mattress, “but you do not move until Angorn looks you over personally.” Her tone warned him against trying to move before then. Hawk sent a message to Angorn but remained by the door. He was trying his best to contain his mirth, but not succeeding very well. His shoulders shook and he covered his mouth with his hand. Gasping for breath, he finally gave in and threw back his head with laughter. Relief and laughter battled in him as he vented. 86

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Both looked so disgruntled at him that he laughed even harder. Mishka saw the situation and her lips curled slightly. Even Rayce say the humor in the situation and chuckled weakly, shifting on the bed. The sheets were tangled around him. Breathless and rested he wanted to get out of the bed and start again. “Rayce take it easy for a few days. Remember what happened with Mishka.” Hawk walked closer to the bed, a warning clear in his voice. Remembering the first few days brought a smile to his luscious mouth as he remembered that day at the waterfalls. It was clear Hawk remembered the same thing and they shared a masculine chuckle between the two of them. A knock came at the door and then it silently opened when Angorn stepped through with his assistant behind him. The healer looked him over silently and made notes to his personal computer. He compared notes he had made previously and nodded silently to himself before meeting Rayce’s eyes. “According to all the tests, you are going through the same conversion the Commander did. You can expect to see the same exact things happen to you as it did to her.” Dread filled her as she remembered the hunger that would move over her. Then again there was the tail. She gripped her own before sitting against Rayce on the bed. Looking up at Hawk, her heart in her throat, she watched as he moved closer to them. With an innate grace, he crawled over them and wrapped his arms around her, resting his head on her shoulder. “We will take it one step at a time.” His voice throaty and deep, its tone vibrating against her skin. She closed her eyes and leaned back into Hawk’s embrace. Tears leaked out of her closed lids as she gave up her control and let the relief swamp over her. A sob she had been holding in broke and she was crying openly, her breath hitching in her throat as she wept uncontrollably. She felt another set of arms wrap around her from her front. Rayce’s chest pressed into her as he laid his chin on the opposite shoulder. All she could do is enfold him in her arms and let the tears fall, her soul opening up to their love and comfort. Vaguely she heard the door open and close but couldn’t find the energy to raise her head at the intrusion. Angorn watched from his vantage point at the door. Easing the door shut so no one would see the scene unfolding before him, he waited patiently as her tears subsided to sniffles and then into deep sighs. Feeling like a voyeur, he turned his head towards the 87

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fire and watched the flames lick at the logs. The sounds of her sniffing could be heard over the crackling of the fire. Clearing his throat at last after minutes of silence he turned his head and approached them. “I see your feeling better, Captain.” He went for a jovial tone hoping to pick up the spirits. Three sets of eyes turned to him. Two sets were somber, grave and wary about what he would say. Mishka’s eyes were read and puffy and still filmed over with tears. She swallowed and sniffed once more before gently pushing the men away. “You can look forward to an outcome close if not exact as the commanders, Captain.” Angorn started. “The poison has worked exactly like it did in the commanders and you are already showing similar results. Your DNA has mutated already and I cannot tell what is going to happen. I have spoken with the healers and scientists on Cormidion and they have agreed.” He paused for a moment. Part of him, the scientist, wanted to keep them here to observe the final result. The other part, the healer, wanted better knowing minds to take over and give them the best care possible. “What have you agreed on Angorn?” Hawk growled his eyes narrowing, taking his sudden silence as a bad sign. He could not lose either of them since they were all tied together now. Clearing his throat, Angorn continued, “We believe that under the circumstances that Cormidion is better suited to help you through this transition and find out how to stop the poison from infecting anyone else. We feel--the Cormidion and myself--that you should take an extended leave and travel to Cormidion to have their scientists help discover the problem and find a solution. If you leave tomorrow it will take you approximately a week to reach Cormidion space. The emperor has been informed and has instructed me that you three should go to Cormidion until the scientists can discover what has happened and how to stop the poison.” Hawk interrupted his speech with a question of his own. “And what happens when trouble stirs up? I am the commander over all the forces damn it!” he glared, his eyes blazing up at the healer. “The two best soldiers are here in this bed with me and you expect us to go to Cormidion indefinitely?” “No Hawk, that’s not what I’m saying.” Angorn sighed. “We don’t know what’s going to happen. This tie you all seem to have is complicated. I can’t send Mishka and Rayce to Cormidion and leave you here. The emotional tie is too strong. With this new development, I don’t have the knowledge to help you. But on Cormidion,” his voice changed, deepened and became more passionate, “On Cormidion they have the knowledge we don’t have. They can help you where I as a human healer can’t. There are 88

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just some things I don’t know about all this and if you stay here, I won’t be able to help you if something goes wrong.” “We will leave at dawn, Angorn. Thank you for being honest.” Mishka nodded decisively, glaring at both men and daring them to argue with her.

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Chapter Twelve

Looking over the instrument panel before her, Mishka made sure all the systems were on line and working at peak performance for their trip. Supplies had already been loaded and the matrix that powered the ship was fully charged. They had decided that all the Cormidion soldiers that were wounded would be accompanying them back to their home world. Cadal, her clan brother was already strapped into his sleeping tube at the rear of the ship. Mishka took one last look over the controls and sighed. They were as ready as they would ever be. Both Rayce and Hawk were constantly arguing because of what was happening to the two of them. Their ties were binding ever so closer each hour and it had gotten to the point where they could sense each others moods. Right now Hawk was worried about her and Rayce. Rayce was worried about the threats against Hawk and Mishka. And Mishka was worried about the threats against Hawk, and the changes going on in Rayce. She could already see the faint camouflage markings running over his skin. Smiling, she remembered Rayce’s expression when he saw the markings that were similar to hers. Long slashes of black ran along his jaw and cheek bones into his hair. His hair began darkening slightly to a deeper brown and gold. His eyes had shifted also to a bright green that seemed to see straight into your soul. She could spend hours just looking at his markings and looking into his eyes. Hawk had wrapped himself in silence, casting wary glances at everyone when they were among the soldiers. Only when one of them was next to him was he able to remain calm. This behavior worried her especially when she would waken during the night to find him thrashing, fighting some unknown enemy in his dreams. Spinning around she walked back to where they were securing the last of the wounded in the rear chamber. Her private rooms were sectioned off in the front of the craft and there was a main eating area where the computer regulated the organics. Also on board would be a healer and her two assistants would maintain the wounded on their way back. She could hear her men moving around her rooms doing who knows what and she really didn’t want to know at this time. Moving back into the rear, Mishka saw to the last bed where Cadal was now laying, his wounds looking better than they did a few days 90

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before, thanks to the healers. She nodded to one of the assistants as she knelt beside Cadal’s pod. “How are you my friend?” her voice low so it didn’t carry through the room. “Still fuzzy, Commander,” his weak voice sounded a little bit stronger, but he had a long way to go before he was back in fighting form. She clasped his hand and squeezed gently, “You will be back to normal before you know it. I want to see you eat at the banquet when we set foot back on our native soil my brother. Do you think we can sneak away and have a hunt?” her grin was infectious as she teased him. “I can still out hunt you any time, Commander,” his chuckle wheezed a little before a coughing fit overcame him and she moved out of the way so the healer could take readings. “He will be all right, Commander. Why don’t you go and finish preparations for take off?” The healer sniffed, protecting her patients like a mother hen guarding her chicks. “All is ready, Healer.” Growling, Mishka stared the woman down, her brown eyes swirling with sudden anger. “All we wait for is you to secure your patients. If you would be so kind as to hurry up we can take off when you are ready.” The words were forced through gritted teeth as she stared down at the smaller woman. The two assistants hurried over and separated them before Mishka did something she would regret. Stomping out of the hold she returned back the way she came, towards her rooms. Muttering under her breath about delays in their schedule she entered the room and secured the door. With so many people on board, Mishka felt claustrophobic. Even if they were her own people, she felt confined and edgy. Taking in a cleansing breath, she pushed the air out in a whoosh. The inside of her room was totally different from what she was outside. Plush carpets, in deep forest green covered every square inch of the three rooms. There was an adjustable lighting source in every room and windows were placed throughout to see outside and minimize the claustrophobic feeling. Hawk was reclining on the sofa placed under the windows, playing with some mind puzzle she had picked up somewhere on her travels, and at some point he had turned on some soothing music. She walked over to him and laid a hand on his arm. “We will be departing soon.” Her voice was soothing but she felt him flinch at her touch. They were all getting touchy as they became more meshed in their bond. Mishka had been trying ways of fighting the bond, but now it just seemed easier to relax and let it go. 91

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Crouching down so she could look into his eyes and saw the inner torment he was fighting. With a weary sigh, she placed her forehead against his and wrapped her free hand around his neck. “Tell me we will get through this.” her voice pleaded with him to tell her everything would be all right even if it was a lie. Hawk stilled and savored her closeness for a few moments. It seemed the last few weeks had been nothing but one incident after another. There was no time for being alone, just the two of them. And with this new bond, it made it almost impossible for them to be alone at all. He knew that Rayce was in the other room, resting. Even now they could hear him thrashing in the sheets. “Do you want me lying to you, my darling?” The words slipped out without thought. “We actually don’t know what is going to happen even five minutes from now. I don’t have the slightest clue what is going to happen to us.” He picked up her hand and kissed her knuckles, his eyes intense on hers. “But I do know we are not ones to go down without a fight.” “This is true.” A smile curved her lips as she tried to lighten the mood. “What do you say we have some iced cream? I have some Antarian sauce for just such an occasion?” her tone coaxed a smile out of him. “Let me go get Rayce, iced cream and Antarian sauce is one of his favorites.” With a saucy swish of her tail, Mishka moved quickly into the next room. Under the covers, Rayce was clearly nude as he moved fitfully in his sleep. His tawny hair flowed across the pillows as his head moved back and forth. Pulling off her boots she climbed up the bed, easing around him and stretched out beside him. Leaning over she placed her mouth in the middle of his chest and kissed her way up to his neck. There she slid her tongue up the vein that stood out, beating hard, up to his ear. “Rayce,” she whispered coaxingly. “Rayce, were having iced cream with Antarian sauce. Do you want a serving?” He snapped awake and heard her words in his ear. Fighting disorientation it took a moment for her words to penetrate his fogged brain. Turning his head slightly, he met her eyes. “What?” his voice rough from sleep sounded gravelly and extremely sexy. Mishka’s breath hitched in her throat before she could start breathing normally. “I said,” Mishka raised her voice to be heard, “we’re having some iced cream and Antarian sauce. We wondered if you wanted some.” Her face was innocence personified. Her wide amber eyes were calm. Her lips curled slightly in a winsome smile. He blinked at her for a moment as the words penetrated is subconscious. “When are we leaving?” 92

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“Within the hour. Get up and come into the main room.” She moved as if to jump from the bed, but with lightning quick reflexes, Rayce wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her back into the bed. Falling with an audible ‘ooompf’. Inhaling with all of his new senses he could actually taste her on his tongue. A rough purring sound came from his throat as he sniffed her hair. The overwhelming urge to mate flowed over him like a tidal wave, sucking him under with the scent of her skin, the sight of her, the warmth of her body next to his. Closing his eyes, he savored each and every new sensation. “Iced cream?” his voice was guttural, primal. “I can think of something more fulfilling than iced cream.” Mishka closed her eyes at the vibration of his voice moving through her down to her pelvis, zeroing in on her clit. Wet warmth oozed out of her and saturated her leathers. A primal moan erupted before she could stop it. Gasping for breath, as well as sanity, she curled her tail around his fore arm and pulled. “Rayce, we don’t have time for this right now. We take off within the hour. If we had the time, I would take you up on the offer. Come.” She pulled herself away gently, “Eat some iced cream and we will finish this later.” Frustrated beyond words he merely flopped back on the bed, eyes closed and a growl filling the room and her ears. Blushing, Mishka raced out of the room, closing the door behind her. **** Tarik lay in wait cloaked in his stealth suit. Unable to go further towards the ship he ground his teeth. Somehow they had caught on to his stealth suit and had scanners up and running by every warrior and security agent on the flight pad. No one cloaked or uncloaked was getting on that ship with all the personnel moving around. Already the wounded were on board. Figuring he could stow away when they were moved to the ship was a good plan, but with all the scanners up and running that had halted that way. His second option was to move in and gain entry to the ship when they were moving the cargo for the trip. But again, he was thwarted with the scanners. “Think Tarik!” he whispered harshly, “Think!” Sweat trickled down his back creating an irritable itching sensation with the morning wind hitting his back. Already the engines were being turned on. It was only a matter of minutes before the pad was cleared so the ship could take off. Once they departed this deserted rock, he would have no way of tracking it. Then it came to him. “That’s it!” his breath puffed out in front of him with the cold temperature. A homing disc. He could attach it and follow its course without anyone knowing. 93

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Reaching down by his hip he opened the small compartment and pulled out the device. The special homing disc was still in production, but he had a live working model. The disc would attach itself to any metal and liquefy to adhere to the metal. All he had to do was get close enough to throw it onto the ship. It took seconds for him to locate a break in the lines of warriors and security for him to slip through and attach the disc to the wing of the craft. With a relieved breath, he slipped back through and kept running until he reached the hut, making sure he was not followed. The trees swayed in the breeze as the sun rose, making the buildings look lighter instead of just blocks of black and silver. He watched for over an hour in his cramped position outside the hut as the final preparations were made. Finally, when he thought he would cry out in frustration, the doors were secured and the whine of the engine increased. He might not know where they were going right now, but he would be able to follow their trail and follow as soon as he reached his ship, a day’s hard walk from where he was now. Triumph filled him as he watched the ship take off. Finally, one plan that had worked. He rubbed his hands together to warm them in the cool morning air. **** Mishka sat back in the pilots chair and watched as the ozone disappeared as they reached space. The stars always seemed brighter the moment you made the transition from planet side to the blackness of space. “Commander Sakar, you have a course plotted and all signs are go. Do you wish to proceed?” The youthful voice on the other end of the communications chirped at her. “We await your final word.” Mishka briskly adjusted her trajectory for the course plotted into the system. “You have a go for orbit break, Commander. Good journey and we will look for you soon. Ground Control out.” The voice disappeared into static as Mishka hit several switches. In her harnessed chair, she plotted her course to Cormidion that would take the least amount of time. The computer relayed each point in space and plotted the course. Speaking into her communications headset she addressed the ship, “Final preparations for Orbit break in ten. All crews man your stations. Secure all compartments.” In the din she could make out each of the personnel of the ship gearing up for the break in orbit. No one knew really just how many people it took to fly the Star Class Ship that Mishka had bought and paid for with her savings. Each and every one of her people under her command took rotating shifts on each of the systems, learning as much 94

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as they could over the whole of the ship. In the long run it made each member a valuable addition to any crew if they moved on out of her ranks. Settling deeper into her chair, Mishka listened to the idle chatter coming through her headset. Behind her she heard the doors to command open and shut. Without looking up from her relay terminal she waved them forward. “Eight minutes until Orbit Break. All Stations report in.” she said smoothly, her voice running through the ships speakers. Status reports began coming in from all over the ship. Checking off every item Mishka sank deeper into the routine of a ships launch. “All systems are go for final break with orbit. Engines on full, course plotted and accepted. Seven minutes until departure.” She felt Hawk’s hands settle on her shoulders as she tipped her head to the side, rubbing her cheek against his large hand. Still her hands were busy with the reports and computers in front of her. Reaching out without breaking her stride, she pulled out a report and handed it over to Hawk. “This should keep you busy until we are well underway.” Her voice held her amusement at his expense. No one really liked reports but they were a necessary evil for anyone of rank within the Imperial Fleet. She could hear his grumbling all the way through breaking orbit and getting underway. Rayce was still asleep in her quarters, according to the read out. He would be out for a few more hours hopefully. Reading over the screen she frowned and keyed a few buttons. “Hello?” she murmured. Hawk stepped in close behind her out of curiosity. “What have you found?” Not looking back she continued keying buttons and switches. “I found a signal in the sub-harmonics.” “Can you track it?” “I can track anything.” A sound of derision escaped her throat as she came closer and closer. “There she is.” With a hum of satisfaction. “I don’t recognize the signature, but it’s a tracker all right. Our systems can barely snag the signal.” Her voice was grim as she accessed the trackers signal and locked onto it. “It’s attached to our wing. Seems to be relaying our coordinates to someone but I can’t access who the owner of the signal is.” “That model isn’t even in production yet.” Hawk growled his eyes narrowing on the signal. “It’s still in testing at the labs. The damned thing’s not even due out until next year.” Running a hand through his hair, Mishka knew that it showed he was frustrated with something, growling under his breath. She felt, rather than saw, him come back to 95

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stand behind her, his hand moving to the back of her neck. In an absentminded movement he caressed the hair at the nape of her neck. What should have been irritating to her, turned out to be soothing. Blinking in surprise, she let it go and turned her attention back to the readouts in front of her. Hawk felt her freeze for a split second before relaxing into his hold. Smiling to himself he continued to rasp the tips of his fingers against the sensitive spot where her head and neck met. He could feel the occasional shiver wrack her shoulders as she tried to ignore his teasing. “I got a lock on the signal. Let’s play a little hide and seek shall we?” she purred, her voice becoming rougher, her breath sawing in and out of her throat as her chest heaved. A few quick key strokes and the signal altered. “There.” She sat back and folded her arms, “Whoever got close enough to attach that tracker to my ship was good enough to encrypt the signal. I turned it back in on itself so the signal will show us going around in circles. It should buy us some time before the owner fixes the signal and recalculates.” “I think it’s our friend who tried to kill you and the soldier.” Hawk pondered, “We have a series of reports saying they felt something in the air, or heard something like a cough or a sigh, but no one ever saw anything. That proves our theory about a cloaking suit.” “But why is he so interested in our little group to begin with?” Mishka stood and stretched, her arms reaching high above her head, thrusting her breasts out and up. “He’s either very stupid or over confident.” She waved a hand at the reports of evidence compiled so far. Hawk was mesmerized by her movements and it took a moment for her words to sink in. Shaking his head slightly, a smile gracing his lips he sighed, “Right now we have people tracking things down. We won’t know anything for a while. Let’s just enjoy the trip back to Cormidion and not borrow trouble until it comes to us?” He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into him, holding her tightly. “You haven’t been back to Cormidion since you joined the forces Mishka, why is that?” He felt her stiffen slightly before leaning into him, “There is nothing to go back for.” Her voice was void of emotion, but he could feel the hurt inside her. “No family?” Hawk finally asked the question that he had been suppressing for many years. She surprised him by saying “Oh, I have family there.” Her voice dry as dust, Mishka watched the bank in front of her. “According to your records, Mishka,” he watched her carefully for any sign of 96

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emotion. “You have no family.” She snorted her derision, “No, what you have in your records is that I am Kaijist.” She really didn’t want to be having this conversation, but as one of her mates, Hawk deserved to know. Moving away from him and the bank of computers she walked over to the windows. “When I was named Kaijist, my family turned their backs on me. In essence I have no family.” Turning away from the view from the window she perched her hip on the ledge and bent her right leg so she could brace her foot flat against the wall. Arms folded over her breasts she watched Hawk watching her. Hawk remembered vaguely what Kaijist meant, but not the reasoning behind the naming. He knew about her mother, and the way she died. Something told him that Mishka wouldn’t be too forthcoming about that time in her life. “Well, don’t think about family then. There must be something you miss about your home that you want to see again?” Moving back to her side, he gently pried her hands away from her body and held them to his chest. There was a short tussle between them, with him as the winner as usual. She thought about all the places she had been over the last years since joining the forces. Cormidion was the only place she knew that had lush jungles, high full trees that seemed to touch the sky. There were many nights she would climb as high as she could just to sleep in a canopy of one of the gigantic trees that surrounded her village. At night the animals would begin their mating calls, or hunt in the darkness. There were oceans that could be seen from her perch. It was one of the few things she missed since leaving, lying under the blanket of leaves over head, listening to the insects and birds calling through the night. Looking at Hawk, Mishka could almost picture him with her in that scene. A wave of homesickness suddenly overwhelmed her, and she closed her eyes, leaning into Hawk, wrapping her arms around him. “I will not lie. There is a part of me that has missed Cormidion and its jungles. But there is another part that wants no part of that world anymore. There are restrictions that chafe and choke the life out of someone if you let it. I can’t go back to that world even if I wanted to.” “And I would not make you for anything.” Hawk said, rubbing her shoulders in support. “But the scientists there may be able to help both you and Rayce. We can’t afford to sit back and see where this will take us. We are all bound now, tighter than family. We need to be able to see what the end result will be and change it if necessary. Who knows? This poison may end up helping your people in the long run.” Just as she was about to agree they both heard and felt Rayce’s roar of surprised 97

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anger. Racing out of the room, Hawk was close behind her as they entered her rooms. Rayce sat in the middle of the bed, the sheets tangled around his waist. He was clearly frustrated with something but they could see nothing wrong with him. He now sported similar markings to Mishka’s with dark slashes along his cheekbones and eyes. The color of his eyes were now darker from the bright green he used to have just days ago. Her mouth dried up as she saw his chest gleaming slightly with a fine sheen of sweat. His arms bulged with muscles when he moved to shove off the sheets. It was at that moment, she caught sight of something behind him. Covering her mouth to hide the sudden smile that unintentionally broke out across her face she stared fascinated at the tail that was now revealed. Shorter than hers by a foot at least, his tail was one color, the same color as his hair. It was at that moment she noticed other differences between them. He did not sport the same spots she did, rather his skin had taken on a tan glow, darker in areas than in others. She moved forward, climbing on the bed as she surveyed his skin. Rayce froze at the look in her eye. Every instinct told him that she was dominant at that moment and forced himself to still under her inspection. “You don’t have my spots.” Her voice came out faint after a few silent moments. “No.” he shook his head, shifting slightly so he wasn’t sitting on his tail anymore. It had probably surprised the hell out of him when he woke to see the appendage wrapped around his waist. Now he would know what she went through every day with her tail. He grumbled, pulling his tail once more away from his body, in hopes it would listen this time. Mishka was enjoying his discomfort at his new appendage. It had taken her days to get used to the constant motion of the tail that would wrap around her during the night. Now she could say that if she hadn’t had it she would feel incomplete. She noticed his scent had deepened the sweat from his skin a deeper musky smell. Raising her nose, she inhaled deeply, drawing in his decadent scent, overwhelming her senses. A rough purrcough sound erupted from her throat as she came within inches of his arm. Rubbing her cheek over his arm she closed her eyes while she enjoyed the taste of him. Rayce felt each and every single move she made and leaned into her, sharing his scent with hers, melding them together. In a lightning quick move, he flipped her over so she fell gently on her back, his arms wrapped around her. She made a sound somewhere between surprise and arousal when she felt his tongue trace the vein in her neck from ear to shoulder. Mishka felt Hawk join them on the bed, his eyes hot and wild as clothes were 98

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shed and groans filled the air. His hair fell around his shoulders in a gray cloud, sticking in places where sweat now formed in the overheated room. Hawk fell on the feast before him, his mouth opening on her shoulder to slide to the middle of her back as he licked and nibbled down her spine. She arched and moaned, conveying how much she was enjoying what he was doing. His hands were busy molding the muscles of her thighs and the firm globes of her ass before running long fingers along the crack from her cunt to the small rosette of muscles ringing her ass. Each pass brought more of her juices, spreading the creamy liquid to her ass before venturing back for more. Rayce was busy himself, latching on to one nipple, his cheeks hollowing as he drew on the taut nub of flesh before biting down and worrying it with strong white teeth. He lapped, nibbled and bit his way across her chest to give equal treatment to the other breast. By now their breathing was harsh and heavy in the stillness of the room. His cock was now hard and heavy against her thigh as he thrust one of his rock hard thighs between hers to spread her legs apart. Mishka was on fire. Hands roving all over her body stoked the fires hotter and wilder as she twisted and arched between them. Her eyes had lost focus soon after entering the bed and now she was blind to everything but the men who surrounded her. Instinct took over as she let herself slide into the euphoria. She felt that long finger start to invade that hole that no one had ever breached. Hawk slowly circled that ring of muscle over and over again, creating a tingling sensation that only intensified. By the time he slowly pushed in she was groaning and pushing back against him, allowing him entrance to that dark cavern. A slight burning started as he pushed past the first ring of muscle then such a dark sensation that her whole body clenched. “That’s it my little one.” Hawk’s voice groaned in her ear as he licked her neck. “Do you like that?” his voice grated as he pushed a little deeper inside and heard her gasp. In response, she growled and pushed harder against his hand making it clear that his slow stroking wasn’t cutting it for her. Dark feelings rose up, she wanted hard and heavy. She wanted the gut wrenching speed and animalistic fever. A snarl erupted in her throat as she erupted, pushing Rayce to the bed and climbing over him. His responding growl only fired their drive even higher. Hands became hard and biting, nails dug into flesh, digging slightly to create red lines along the skin. Mishka threw back her head when Rayce arched his hips and brought his iron hard cock in contact with her clit. A resounding chime vibrated through 99

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her making her shudder. “Now.” Her voice deepened as she locked her eyes with his. “Fuck me now.” Rayce’s eyes rolled back in his head as in one move, he drew back and speared her, raising her off the bed so hard her back bowed as the air was pushed from her lungs. Her cry was one of satisfaction and lust. This was what she wanted, no soothing motions, and no slow glides. The slapping of flesh filled the air as Hawk moved in close behind them, his fingers returned to her ass and he inserted not one but two, scissoring them to widen the hole in preparation for his cock. Mishka could feel her fangs growing as the intensity increased. Opening her mouth in a soundless howl of a pleasure so intense she felt she would pass out, her fangs exploded glistening in the light. Looking down she saw Rayce, his fangs out, his jaw clenched as he piston in and out of her with blinding speed. She hissed at him, which was answered. Still with enough of a mind, she refused to bend down and pierce the skin of his chest like she wanted to. Her body exploded into a thousand particles as she felt Hawk thrust into her ass, slow and sure, giving her no time to accommodate his size along with Rayce pounding her cunt. “Ahh!” she screamed, her body exploding, clenching over and over again around those two cocks thrusting in and out of her in tandem. Neither slowed or showed signs of stopping as she came around them. Her hands groped the air for purchase as Hawk wrapped his hands around her breasts and held on, and Rayce locked his around her waist, still lifting her in time to his thrusts. She merely slid forward, boneless, allowing them to maneuver her as they pleased. It took her a several minutes to rise back to the surface. At the return of her senses, she realized two things. One was that the men were still moving with vigor and strength. And two she felt the rising passion once more deep inside her. She moaned at the overwhelming fullness at being stuffed by both men. Neither showed any signs of stopping any time soon. Sweat matted hair to temples, and rolled down skin. Her senses went on full overload when Rayce angled his hips deeper and hit that secret spot deep inside her. A shocked, aroused cry erupted from her as she jerked uncontrollably. Rayce’s eyes sharpened on hers when he realized what he had done. A smile curved his lips that sent a warning chill through her. Adjusting his grip, he commenced driving his cock right across that spot. It seemed that the two men communicated on some nonverbal level and she was left in the dark. Looking back over her shoulder as best she could, Miska looked at Hawk. 100

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He kept a strong firm pace with Rayce, his hands now at her waist just above Rayce’s. His eyes were almost glowing in their determination to bring her once more before allowing him the release he was holding back. She could feel the hard orbs of his balls slap against her skin with every thrust. Anticipation filled her at the thought of being filled by them, anyway they managed it. . Suddenly a strange overwhelming urge overtook Mishka. Her blood heated, instinct ruled. Whipping her head around she stared into Rayce’s eyes which widened at the intensity of hers. She bore down even harder on his cock, her internal muscles clutching at his cock like a vice. A low growl filled her throat as all fatigue left her and she was filled with a new drive. Within moments they were moaning in concert. Rayce felt everything draw into that one spot in his cock. Suddenly everything exploded inside him. Eyes went blind, he choked out a shout of half-pain, halfoverwhelming passion as he erupted in her cunt, his come filling her passage until it ran down her thighs mingling with her own juices. Behind her, Rayce watched as Hawk threw his head back and shout at the same time. Both their completion brought Mishka to climax once more. She tightened every muscle as she cried out her orgasm. Something inside Mishka burst with the knowledge that something was now different. Deep within her she knew that whatever happened, they would never be the same again.

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Chapter Thirteen

The hours passed by in a blur for them. When they weren’t in bed, they were looking over reports, reading dispatches sent over the coded channels. The tag placed on her ship was still active but she had managed to keep their exact coordinates cloaked for the time being. Whoever was watching them would think they were on their way to the Antaries system, in the opposite direction of where they were actually headed. They would be arriving at Cormidion in another day of travel. Part of Mishka wanted to turn the ship around and head anywhere but there. Her past would not allow her to reconcile with her people. The other half longed for a good run through the jungle after a hunt. She knew that Rayce wanted to go back to see family he hadn’t seen in over ten years, but she wanted no part of it. Brooding over the instruments she heard the men working on something on the other side of the room. It had gotten to the point where they felt more comfortable near each other. Any amount of time spent apart and one or all of them began to get edgy. Always a loner from when she was young, Mishka felt out of sorts when they crowded her. They gauged her mood and stayed away accordingly out of respect. It wasn’t right; she fumed, that they would have to accommodate her when their pairing should be a partnership. She had seen it happen time and again growing up in her village, the men would defer to the women in most if not all things dealing with the family. Even women were the better hunters because they were brought up to believe that only they could provide for their offspring. Seeing no reason why the males should not be able to be as cunning, as ruthless in hunting to provide for their family, Mishka always chafed at the responsibilities placed on her gender. Her mother had been guarded around other females of her village. She remembered, even at age four, watching the way the others treated her because she had chosen just one mate. Like it was a stigma, a bad omen. They would go out of their way to avoid her mother, treat her like the dirt beneath their feet. During one winter Mishka remembered her mother had left the village to hunt for her family. The snows had come early and already they were shoveling a foot of snow off the roof of their home. She had been doing her part as much as she was able with her small hands and pudgy legs stumbling through the snow. Several of the other children 102

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had been watching her, pointing and laughing at her. “Your mother cannot provide for even one man.” One of the older girls had taunted. Looking at her with loathing the girl had thrown a rock at her, hitting her in the temple. With a cry she had fallen, her blood staining the white snow beneath her. She had refused to let the tears fall in their presence. With dignity for her age, Mishka had picked herself out of the snow and had quietly refused to pay them any attention. Her mother had return just as she gained her feet. Having seen the whole episode she had flown into a rage at the children, yelling at them and dragging them through the village, telling everyone who would hear what less than honorable children they were to attack one smaller than themselves. The elders had frowned down on her but according to the laws she was in the right, defending her child against all who would harm her. But instead of making things for them better, it made things worse and as time went on the attacks and the insults became worse until one day her mothers broken body had been carried to the village square by her father, who was bleeding from various wounds that later proved to be fatal. Standing on the steps to her small hut, Mishka had watched as the snow soaked up the life giving fluids from her mother’s body as her soul departed and she was lost to her only child. With his dying breath her father had cursed the elders of the village for not doing what they needed to do to ensure everyone’s safety within the village. They had not been honorable. Someone had attacked them while hunting and the elders did nothing. With a snarl, Mishka smashed her fist through the panel in front of her, wiping away the memories with the new pain. The loss of her parents was something she could not bear to deal with even now. Only in her dreams night, when she dreamed of happier times, could shefondly look back on those times. At the sound of crunching metal she realized she had ripped out the panel and was shredding the metal as if it was merely paper. Running feet sounded, and both men surrounded her. Rayce crushed her back to his front, his arms wrapping around her. Hawk’s hands bracketed her face and stared into her eyes. No words were necessary as they looked at each other. His eyes held calm assurance, comfort and peace. Hers held her inner turmoil at memories too deep to be buried and forgotten. They stood like that for countless minutes, unaware of the passage of time. Slowly the anger and despair bled out of her eyes as she became lost in the gray depths of the calming effect his eyes had on hers. “I think its time we go to bed.” Rayce murmured in her hair. “Forget about everything for a few hours. Deal with everything tomorrow.” 103

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She shuddered slightly in his tight hold. She could feel the tension in his arms as if he sought to squeeze all the hurtful memories out of her by will alone. Slowly she placed a hand on his arm that banded about her stomach. “I think you’re right.” Her voice was hoarse with pent up emotion. “Bed sounds good.” Slowly they walked down the hall towards her room, ignoring the looks that were shot her way by the soldiers assigned to her ship. By the time they reached the door leading to her rooms, she was exhausted both mentally and physically. The thought of slipping into the bed was bliss. Gently, they helped her with her clothes, stripping her bare and then easing her between the sheets. Her last sight was of her men slipping into the bed beside her and then nothing as sleep claimed her. **** Tarik frowned at the read-out from his computer. Over the last week the readings remained the same but something wasn’t right. The antaries system was out on the rim of space. Why would they be headed there? Fingering his chin he thought about the possibilities and discarding them with strict efficiency. So far the voice inside his head that usually belittled him and spoke down to him was blessedly silent. An incoming signal toned from his communications unit and he absently keyed the acceptance. “Tarik.” The cold calculating voice on the other end caused him to stiffen in both fear and anger. She always talked down to him, even when they were younger. He was older, he was the heir to their father’s fortune but still the bitch talked down to him like he was a nobody, less than trash. “What do you want, Angelia?” Fear made his voice harsh as he held his head between his hands and rocked back and forth. Already the pressure in his skull was increasing with each word. “What have you learned? Elaine wants a progress report.” Her grating voice caused him to grit his teeth to stop the flow of words he wanted to shout at her. “I am tracking their location now.” Striving for calm, he spoke mechanically, not even looking at the screen. “You had better have something more definitive very soon, brother dear,” her voice sounded condescending, jeering at him. “Lady Elaine does not keep incompetents close to her and she is close to having you disposed of.” “You would just love that, wouldn’t you?” He whirled and met her sister’s eyes for the first time. “You who twist and contaminate everything you touch. I’m surprised she hasn’t seen you for what you really are. Or do you want me to have a word with her 104

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myself?” Tarik’s lips twisted into a snarl, “I think the lady would be interested in some of your free time activities.” The only reaction she gave was a slight widening of her eyes as she listened to him. “Are you through?” When he nodded his head she leaned forward, “Find them and dispose of them or the next communication will be from the elite squad hunting you down.” Tarik shuddered as the screen went blank and he collapsed into the chair. A fine film of sweat covered his forehead as he thought about what he had to look forward to if he failed. Running a hand over his face, he tried to calm the thundering of his heart, something that happened every time he was faced with his failures. From the time he was a child Angelia had taken every opportunity to point out his shortcomings and failures. His mother had always been a sickly woman, pretty but weak. He remembered visiting her and seeing her lying in bed in her darkened room. His father had turned a blind eye, allowing tutors and caretakers to raise his children. There had been times when he wanted to run as fast as he could to his father and beg him to stop the insanity that overwhelmed him. He could feel the tendrils of madness starting to take over even now. Soon the voice would return and it would start all over again. Maybe this time, he would be successful in beating back the voice. **** The planet kept getting bigger and bigger as they approached the outer boundaries of Cormidion space. Mishka gritted her teeth as she received the incoming transmissions from planet side. “Commander, welcome home.” The cheerful voice grated on her nerves the closer she got to the planet. “Your landing platform has been prepared and clearance is granted for your descent vector. The Elders are waiting on your order.” “Duly noted.” She snapped, severing communications with a ruthless flick of a key. Already her squad was dressed in their formal uniforms and waiting at the main door. The dark green leathers were trimmed in the gold of the Empire. Mishka adjusted the knee boots she wore. Just last month when she had them made they fit perfectly, now the leather chafed and constricted. Looking up from the console, she met Hawk’s eyes and nodded. “Permission granted to land, the elders are waiting below to cow-tow and bow to the Empire and I imagine the scientists are excited about getting their hands on their specimen.” Her lips curled in derision as she checked her side arm. Her ceremonial sword hung on her right 105

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side opposite her pistol. “Might as well get it over with.” She sighed, adjusting her cape. It was merely ceremonial, but at the same time, it covered the tail that both she and Rayce sported now. The unfamiliar weight of the uniform and the cape set heavily on her shoulders. “I hate this getup.” Grumbling under her breath, she made way to the main doors. Both sides of the hall were lined with her soldiers. Behind her she was flanked by both Hawk and Rayce, the only difference in their uniform was that Hawk was dressed in all gray, trimmed in the gold. The sound of boots meeting metal sounded overloud in the hallway as more than fifty members of her squad filed in behind them and followed them down the ramp to the room that would open to the landing pad. The landing took minutes but the vibrations increased as the pressure of the atmosphere increased around the ship. Over the years you just learned to adjust to the differences and know when landing was eminent and when you were still in space. Gritting her teeth to stop the sudden queasy sensation of her stomach dropping out of her body, Mishka braced herself for the jarring of the ship as it hit the landing pad. With an almost silent breath of relief she thanked the goddess when almost immediately her stomach settled. When the doors opened she was momentarily blinded by the bright sunlight hitting her right in the face. Blinking rapidly to stem the tears that pooled as a result of the light she waited a heartbeat, then two as her vision cleared. Schooling her expression, Mishka started down the ramp into the open air. All around her she saw the warriors of the Cormidion assembled to welcome one of their own home. As she had suspected, the elders stood to one side dressed in their finest. She assumed it was for Hawk’s benefit rather than hers or any of her men and women. On the other side stood the scientists, both Cormidion and Emperial clustered together, watching them as they trooped out. The smell of so many men around her overwhelmed her at first. Behind her, she could feel both men tense in reaction to the low growl that erupted from her throat. “Ease down, Commander.” Hawk murmured to her as they came to a halt at the end of the ramp. “Tell that to my nose, my lord Commander.” She hissed quietly. “They brought out the whole damned army to greet us.” Everyone stood at attention as Mishka came to a stop. Barking out an order, her unit moved in precision to flank them on both sides. Slowly and carefully she bowed to the elders as required. 106

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“Commander Sakar.” Andoval, the most senior elder shuffled forward to place a hand on her shoulder. “We welcome you back home into the fold. You have brought many of our warriors home to us even if it is for a short time and for this, we thank you.” “Elder Andoval,” she nodded her head at him, “The honor of the Cormidion is on us all. Thank you for your welcome home. I have instructed that our wounded be attended to first. I am sure you understand that they take precedence over those of us who are able to stand on our own.” “Agreed Commander.” Andoval nodded, appreciation and interest sparking in his eyes. He noticed the way that Rayce and Hawk stood close to her and caught the signs. Until she made the formal declaration, it was not his place to say anything. “My lord High Commander Grayson, you honor us with your presence. I thank you for accompanying our people home.” He bowed to Hawk showing his respect. “I merely accompany the Commander, Elder Andoval. Where she leads, we but follow.” The words came out of nowhere. Something seemed to click into place deep in his chest and his breathing became easier. Nodding in understanding of the words, the elders murmured to themselves, while at the same time watching Mishka. Holding her hands out at shoulder level, without looking back, Mishka made it plain for all to see. She was claiming both men as her mates in the traditional manner. Once the hands were clasped everyone would bear witness to their joining. She felt the comforting weight of Hawk’s hand slip into her left hand, while Rayce’s fit perfectly into her right. “I claim my right to all who witness.” Her voice rose so everyone heard her. The elders bowed as one, recognizing the union. The scientists and native healers mumbled amongst themselves. “Shall we proceed?” Andoval nodded in satisfaction. “Rooms have been prepared for you and your unit. The meal has been prepared for your homecoming and we await your pleasure.” Mishka nodded, knowing that the ceremonial meal would follow. Her skin itched and she wanted nothing more than to shed her uniform and take a dip in the running waters of the lake seen in the distance. “We accept your hospitality this day, Elder Andoval. Please,” she motioned, “if you would show us the way?” she released the hands holding hers and settled her cloak around her. The Elder council led the way to the main level and into the transports ready for everyone. Sitting in between Rayce and Hawk felt a little cramped as the transport whisked them across the town towards the official complex located in the center of the 107

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city. Mishka had a hard time trying to keep her eyes from rolling at the way the elders and scientists practically tripped over each other to bow and scrape in front of Hawk. Giving him a jaundice eye, she shifted a little further to the side to avoid being hit by a flying hand. The elders who rode with them tended to use wide sweeping hand movements while they spoke and failed to realize they came in contact with arms, shoulders and other parts of a person when they talked. Hawk managed to keep a straight face while at the same time respond with positive sounds and nods at the appropriate times to what was being said. He wanted nothing more than to shove the overbearing pompous wind bags out of the transport and relax for a while. Even though they had been on the ship for a week, he wanted to be alone for a while with no interruptions, no calls, and no one depending on them to save the world once again. It looked like they would be stuck in the transport for a while longer and then a dinner to sit through. Looking over at Rayce and Mishka, Hawk saw that they both wore similar expressions of patient boredom. Still there was policy and station they would have to pay attention to if they were to get anywhere. It would be a long trip to the center. **** They had definitely gone all out on the rooms. Mishka made another turn as the servants brought in the luggage. Three distinct piles of bags were lined up with military precision along the wall just inside the door. Wide open bay windows lined the main wall revealing a view of the jungle from two sides of the main living quarters. A fire place graced half of the third wall and three doorways opened into various parts of the living space. The bathroom took up about half as much space as the main living area with a huge sunken tub and lots of plants hanging from every available perch. Mishka longed to sink into a warm bath and just watch the sun set for the next several hours, unfortunately the elders had other plans. She already had requests from several of the healers and scientists for morning appointments. Once the servants had left, she secured the room and quickly shed her cloak. “Bunch of damned bureaucrats. We haven’t even been here an hour and already making demands.” Slamming her personal computer closed she stalked into the other room. “Mishka, we knew that it would start as soon as we landed. There was no way to keep it quiet once Angorn communicated with the scientists and healers here. Information containment was not a top priority.” Hawk shed his cloak and started 108

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shedding all his adornments. “I know.” Practically ripping off her shirt, she stalked over to her case and pulled out her robe. “But do you think its too much trouble to allow us one or two days of quiet before they descend like locusts on a fresh crop of fruit?” Hawk chuckled at the analogy and totally agreed with her. “Well, there is one thing we can do.” When she merely looked at him quizzically, “We don’t answer the request right away. They will get the hint and wait for us.” Rayce walked up to her and helped her sit. Quietly, he helped her pull off the boots and uniform. “Damned boots are specially made, but they hurt like the dickens now.” She grumbled, looking at the raw red spots on her ankles and calves from where the leather rubbed against skin. “I’ve had the same problem.” Rayce pointed to his own bare feet. Similar marks marred his skin. “Both sets of these boots are new. Handmade to our specific measurements. Why all of a sudden do they not fit?” “That’s a question for the scientists. For now lets get ready for this meal they are throwing. I want to make it an early night if possible. I can feel how drained you are.” Hawk moved in close to them, eyeing them both. A sense of wanting to comfort came out of nowhere. He was a warrior, a commander. He spent his days planning battles and security. This new emotion was strange and foreign to him. Mishka leaned into both of them and sighed, closing her eyes. She was almost at the limit of her endurance for the day already and they still had dinner to get through. “Let’s just shelve all this for now. We still have dinner to get through and I would rather tell all of them to go to hell than sit among them for the next few hours.” A servant arrived to show them to the dining hall and she could tell it was going to be a long night.

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Chapter Fourteen

Mishka watched all the pomp and pageantry of the local elite with a jaundice eye. Clan rulers and elders mixed with ladies. Local brews flowed freely and the music was at a manageable level. On either side of her, Rayce and Hawk sat in similar positions on the cushions that graced the floors. Many of the warriors from the neighboring clans were in attendance, many of which she recognized from before she left to join the forces. One in particular sat across the room from her. Jorgan, her clans ruler sat with his daughter. The spoiled little she-cat glared at her throughout the meal, making it plain they remembered Mishka. Amora, Jorgan’s daughter, had always been ready to put Mishka down or taunt her about her status within the clan. It seemed fitting that she returned to the fold decorated and applauded by the elders for her return. Her lips twisting in a feral smile, Mishka raised her glass at Jorgan and Amora, saying without words what she felt about them. Jorgan stiffened visibly while Amora snorted with contempt. She felt her tail start thrashing beneath her cloak which she kept on over her causal clothing. Every so often it would bump against Rayce who leaned close to her. Her markings on her face became more pronounced the longer she watched Amora and her father. Rumors had surfaced years ago when Jorgan’s mates had perished in strange accidents unrelated to each other. At each time, Jorgan had been away performing his duties as clan ruler so no blame could be cast on him. Mishka had always had her doubts but with no evidence to back up her thoughts, she’d kept her own counsel. A low growl tickled her throat as she concentrated on the she-cat across from her. “Mishka.” Rayce’s voice stopped the growl and snagged her attention. “Amora has always been a bitch in heat. Ignore her.” His murmur barely reached her ears. He inched closer and placed a hand on her cheek. “Don’t let her spoil this for you.” Closing her eyes for a moment, Mishka absorbed the feeling of his hand on her cheek. He calmed her with those few words and that gentle touch. When she opened her eyes again, she fell into those green pools and her heart turned over in her chest. “Thank you.” Her lips formed the words but no sound came out. Speeches were given by all the visiting clan leaders as well as the elders present 110

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all praising the Commanders and their thanks in bringing back their fallen warriors. Hawk delivered a moving speech from the Emperor that had everyone in good spirits. More food and drink were brought in and the dancers were called in to entertain. By the time the elders began retiring Mishka was ready to die from boredom. “Don’t they have anything better to do?” she murmured to herself, as she watched each clan leader try to beat the other at dice. “I see the little Kaijist has risen so high from when we were children.” Amora’s voice cut through Mishka’s musings, causing her to grip her goblet tighter. The instinct to throw it at her head was overwhelming but Hawk’s hand on hers had her siding on caution rather than brute strength. “Amora, I would have thought you would have been mated by now with several younglings about your skirts.” Smirking at the look of disgust that crossed Amora’s face was well worth the dig. It was well known that Amora hated children and did her best to stay well away from any chore involving them. “Well, we all can’t be heroes of the empire now can we?” Amora said sweetly, her voice thick with double meaning. “This is true.” Mishka drawled, and then lifted her goblet to her lips, keeping eye contact with her nemesis. “Then again some of us have enough honor to fight for the Empire rather than hide behind their elder.” A flush rose over Amora’s cheeks, her eyes turned glacial as she stood over them. “You always were a little dirt grubber who failed to remember her place.” “And you were always a snob who loved to torment those beneath your station. I remember now...you refused to take part in the hunt when you came of age didn’t you? You had your cousin take your place and as such he failed to bring back a kill for the village. Where is your cousin?” Acting as if interested, she looked around the hall, “Oh yes, you managed to get him killed before he reached his mating. That certainly was a shame.” Putting just the right amount of sympathy in her tone made it seem that she wasn’t accusing anyone of dirty dealings, but everyone suspected Amora’s family had been a part in the young man’s death. Amora leaned in closer to Mishka, her eyes hard as she hissed quietly, “I would keep your mouth shut if you know what’s good for you. My father is still Clan Ruler. I would hate to see you and your…” Casting a look at both men a sneer twisted Amora’s mouth, “…mates being cast out for a word whispered in the right ear.” Mishka placed both hands firmly on the table in front of her and rose up slowly, pushing her face close to Amora’s, forcing the other woman back a bit. “And I would not like it if any threats were made against me or my mates by anyone from the clan. You 111

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should remember, I do not take to threats and love nothing more than to face my enemies head on.” Mishka’s eyes went flat and hard as she stared at Amora. “Make no mistake. I know what you are and I will not hesitate in severing your spine from your head if you even look at me or mine again.” her voice was low so as not to carry, but her threat was something she could back up. Full anger showed in Mishka’s eyes as she leaned even closer to Amora, “I’m not a little youngling trying to stay out of your way. I can break you in half Amora, make no mistake, and I will if you don’t stay out of my way.” “Lowering yourself to threats already, Commander?” Joran’s voice cut through the silence. “Just making my stand clear, Clan Leader Joran. It would do you well to remember our history.” she allowed her fangs to descend, enjoying the way his eyes widened in fright at her new additions. “There are those among the clans that would welcome a new opening for clan leader.” Mishka let the threat hang in the sudden silence. She knew she was allowing emotion to rule over her but in this instance, the Cormidion valued a person who could show their strength. And Mishka now had the strength to back up her threat. She was no longer the little Kaijist, merely surviving on the edge of the clan. Now she was a commander, full of strength and cunning and had the power to back up her claims. Joran watched her for a minute before savagely wrenching Amora back away from them and storming from the room. The pair had always been an enemy to her family, her clan, and her life. Now they publicly announced their intentions towards her. “Very well done, Commander.” A new voice had their heads turning. A small female stood beside them, barely old enough to be considered a woman. She was dressed grandly in her colorful silks and satins. Her almond shaped eyes beamed at them as she tilted her head. “May I join you?” Slowly, Mishka allowed her muscles to relax and she sat back on the cushion beneath her. “Please.” she nodded her head in an abbreviated bow. “Pardon for not introducing myself earlier.” she smiled as she arranged herself opposite them. “I am Darjan Almak, visionary for the Felina Clans.” “Visionary Almak.” Mishka's eyes widened at the woman before her. She had heard about the visionary through the course of the last few years. It was said that she was one of the most powerful visionaries to come along for a long time. “The Felina Clans rejoiced when you came into your power I hear. It is an honor to finally meet you.” “I am but a vessel for the Goddess, Commander.” Darjan nodded serenely. 112

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“Whispers reach our ears about many things. When I heard you had returned with our warriors and had mated, I knew I had to come and see you.” she looked at Hawk and Rayce, seeing with her inner eyes. “You have made a good match. You honor your clan and your heritage, Commander.” Leaning in close, Darjan placed her elbows on the table before her, “Things are changing for the Cormidion. I see changes in you that will benefit our entire race, Commander. Your second has begun the change as well. Why have you not begun the change with your first?” she tilted her head and looked at Hawk. Her eyes seemed to stare straight through him with her silvery orbs. “We have been told that the poison could kill him because he is human.” Rayce spoke up, leaning forward. “Well, he isn’t completely human is he?” Darjan smiled prettily, “His mother was Cormidion wasn’t she? The Cormidion DNA is dominant to human sequencing.” Hawk sat back in stunned silence, looking at her dumbly. “What?” He never knew his parents if the truth be told. He had been found by a lord during a raid on an attacking planet long ago, wandering the landscape too young to even speak, barely walking. There were no records of his birth or his family. He had clawed his way to the rank of Lord Commander. “My lord Commander,” Darjan sighed, “There is little known of your past, this is true, but I sense the blood of our ancestors running through your body. I would say you are of the Felina Clan but until a genetic work-up can be made, we cannot say. I would not delay the change for very much longer, Commander. You must be completed. I see many things that hinge on your merging.” Her eyes began to glow as she met Mishka's. “There are many things I see in your future. You are the one who can bring the change and our people back to the ways we have lost over the centuries. Do not let your path falter. Bring your people back into the light of existence.” The light left Darjan’s eyes and she seemed to slump forward before gathering herself up. “You have had a long journey to this place, and it is still stretching longer ahead of you. I would suggest you get all the rest you can, you will need your strength.” She stood slowly and yet still retained eye contact with her. “I would watch Jorgan and Amora as well. You have made a bitter enemy with them.” Mishka watched her walk away before turning and looking silently at the still shell-shocked Hawk, who stared at nothing. Taking his hand in hers, Mishka raised it to her lips. “Hawk?” her words were muffled slightly as her lips still touched his knuckles. “Let’s go to our room.” **** The moonlight filtered through the windows. Mishka saw the moon high in the 113

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sky behind the trees outside the bedroom window where they all lay. So many thoughts bounced around in her head. She felt Rayce shift slightly against her, his leg situating itself more firmly between hers. On the other side of her, Hawk lay almost immobile as he stared out the window. She felt helpless to comfort him after the revelations he’d learned earlier. They had returned to their appointed rooms in silence. Hawk had walked into the bath and closed the door behind him. For over an hour he had stayed in the room, no sound coming from behind the door. When he finally came out a billow of steam had followed him through the door and he walked with unconscious grace into the bedroom, a towel wrapped around his waist. His gray hair fell down his back, almost to the dip in his spine just above his ass. Her fingers had itched to grip that ass and bite down hard. He’d climbed under the sheets and rolled on his side presenting his back to them. With a sigh, she had followed, pulling Rayce with her as she went. That had been over three hours ago. Soon the sun would be rising and she was still reeling from what the visionary had told them. A sudden urge to run filled Mishka. To set out in a direction and just run with no final destination in mind, nothing at the end of the run but exhaustion and mind numbing bliss. No thoughts, no anger, no pain, just emptiness. Then, just as sudden as the urge came, it went out like a light being extinguished only to be replaced with a hunger. Her stomach growled loudly, startling her. She felt both men on either side of her stiffen at the sound. She tried to ignore it, hoping it would just go away but the next moment her stomach cramped again and growled louder than the first. The thought of meat, cooked rare with juices flowing filled her minds eye. A roast piled high with vegetables and candied apples. Her mouth started to water at the vision. She swallowed uneasily as she thought about food. A table piled high with meats, and desserts. Pastries and pies, candied fruits and iced cream. She bit her lip to stop the groan of yearning. Mishka clenched her fist, pressing it hard against her stomach to stop the growling but it only increased as the visions of more and more food was paraded before her. The bed started to shake, intermittent at first, then constant. Rayce snorted softly and she looked sharply at him. One look was all it took before he was holding his sides and rolling onto his back laughing like a loon. Soon Hawk joined in reluctantly. With a growl of frustration she bounded out of the bed and jerked on her robe. Ignoring the calls that followed her out of the room she left and entered the halls that would take her to the kitchens. Even at this hour of the night there would be someone minding the large rooms. 114

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Sure enough there were apprentice cooks already preparing for the morning meal. Everyone froze when she entered the room and growled. “I want meat.” she hissed. “Commander?” The head cook hurried forward, looking nervous at the sounds Mishka made. “How may I assist you?” “I want a roast Gava beast. Vegetables, candied fruits. I want pastries and pies.” Her voice rose with each demand. She pressed harder on her stomach as her hunger increased. “Send it to my room immediately.” If the request seemed strange the cook didn’t bat an eye at it. She merely bowed and said “It will be done. Do you wish wine as well?” Mishka hissed her brain clouded with her vision, “Yes. I want iced cream as well. Damnit send whatever else is available.” Her hair falling about her shoulders in tangles, she looked like a wild woman as she whirled around and stormed back the way she came. The cook shrugged and turned to the staff. “You heard the Commander, get busy.” Clapping her hands, she sat down at the terminal on her desk and made some notations so that she could send the information on to the healers in her morning report. Mishka didn’t return to her rooms immediately. Fighting the feeling of starvation overwhelming her she growled and paced the hall. Already she could smell the roasting below and her stomach cramped once again. Her breath came faster and faster as she paced. Finally after what seemed like an eternity, footsteps could be heard as the servants began carrying the food into her room. Following them, she waited long enough for the servants to place the overwhelming load of food on the table and scurry out of her way before she fell on the food. Silver covers were ripped off platters and tossed across the room as she snarled, digging in to the food with her bare hands. Ripping off a side of the roast she saw the juices run down her fingers and hands as she raised the first bite to her mouth. Her taste buds burst as the flavors rolled over her tongue. Groaning in appreciation she chewed, closing her eyes in bliss. She savored the first bite for a silent moment before diving into the rest of the dishes. It was the clatter of the silver hitting the floors that had Hawk and Rayce stepping into the doorway. They watched stunned as she ripped into the meat with her bare hands. Pure instinct ruled her as she shoved more and more food into her mouth as she swallowed. Finally, she caught sight of the two standing there watching her. Suddenly they weren’t her mates anymore. They were intruders on her feast, encroachers on her territory. Crouching low over the platters she glared at them, her fangs descending. When Rayce made a move towards her, she growled a warning low in her throat. She only relaxed when he took that one step back. Keeping her eyes on them she 115

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continued to grab at the food. This meal was hers. She was the female, the first to eat. All others took second place to what was left. She provided for herself this day and they would not take her feast away from her. “What the hell is going on?” a voice from the main door had her hissing and whirling around. She didn’t recognize the new face. She only saw a male intent on encroaching on her feast. “Get back.” Hawk called out from the door to the bedroom. The man was dressed in the robes of head of complex security. “Captain Talen Almak.” he said sharply, identifying himself. “We had a report that the commander left her rooms and went to the kitchens. We were notified and dispatched.” Three other guards stood behind him watching the display. Rayce made a movement as if to move towards the door but that swung her attention back to him. Her fangs bared, her spots flared to life. She hissed at him, followed by a warning growl. Her tail thrashed wildly behind her from her crouched position by the feast. She looked up and they saw that her eyes were changing, looking more like a cat’s eye, slitted and glowing in the dim light. When he refused to move back, she slowly raised herself up off the table where she was leaning and with a lightning quick move, jumped over the table and gave him a spinning back hand that had him crashing into Hawk and back into the bedroom. Slowly, Mishka crept back to her position at the table, keeping her eyes on all the males. The hunger was still raging over her so she backed to her former position and while watching the men she began to eat once more. Rayce picked himself up off the floor with a groan that was echoed by Hawk. Instead of standing, he crouched and watched her from his position at the door way once more. “She doesn’t seem to be all here with us, Hawk.” Rayce murmured, glancing at him before turning his gaze back to Mishka. They moved back into position slowly. Part of Rayce knew what was going on, but he was still too new to the conversion to understand the habits being displayed in front of him. “What do you want us to do, Lord Commander?” Talen called from the entry. “She’s not gonna let anyone close to her. Do you want to tranq her?” “We have no idea if a tranq would work.” Rayce called out, “Just secure the door so she can’t get out and we will deal with her as soon as she calms down.” “Understood.” Talen called and the door closed, along with a tone that informed them that he had secured the room from the outside. The three of them wouldn’t be leaving until someone let them out. 116

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Mishka seemed to calm down once the door was closed and she was alone once more. No longer able to see either of them from their location just inside the doorway, Mishka dug into the food with gusto. For long minutes all they could hear was her chewing and moaning over the food. When her stomach finally calmed down enough for her to think Mishka blinked as if coming out of a deep sleep. Looking down at herself she was surprised at the amount of food she had consumed. One half the roast was now gone, along with a platter of vegetables. Half-heartedly she licked at her fingers and looked at the trays of desserts. “Is it safe to come out now?” Rayce called out, only half jokingly. She looked up to see their heads showing in the doorway. With extreme care they edged out into the open and watched her as they approached. Already her fangs were retracting, and her spots were fading as she calmed down. Now that her hunger was more manageable she could allow the males their share of the feast before her. With her mouth full, Mishka motioned for them that it was safe to come forward. Hawk’s mouth twitched as he watched her chew slowly on the bone in her hand. The grease had found its way everywhere, staining her robe, and trailing down her hands and mouth. Her tongue would swipe out and catch some of the juice as she ate. ''I take it you feel better now?” he asked as he lowered himself across from her. Mishka nodded, her mouth still full, as she picked up her glass of wine. “Is this going to be a regular thing now? I have a feeling you will need a lot more exercise if it is, otherwise you will be expanding more than just your shoes.” Rayce commented as he trailed his finger through some of the frosting on one of the pastries. Her eyes narrowed as she watched the movement. “Your comments are not appreciated.” Popping a piece of fruit into her mouth she chewed, while glaring at him. Hawk bit back the words that worked through his brain, knowing she wouldn’t appreciate his thoughts either. Sitting cross-legged on the floor Mishka shifted so that her right leg came out and she placed her foot on the floor, allowing the robe to part and slither to the floor, baring her long leg to their view. Silky and smooth, her legs went on forever. Hawk could tell she wore nothing beneath the robe, and just like quickly, his cock went from soft to hard and pounding under his pajama bottoms. Knowing she had both their attention now, Mishka leaned forward slightly, her hand braced against the table. “You seemed to have a lot of enjoyment over my hunger.” she said absently, her fingers trailing along the edging of her robe, up and down between her breasts that were clearly outlined by the silky fabric of the robe. “Tell me, are you 117

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hungry now?” her eyes smoldered, which should have been their first warning. “Starving.” Rayce choked out, his eyes riveted to her fingers which trailed further and further south. His mouth opened as he tried to draw more and more air into his lungs. All of his senses were opened to the woman who sat just a few feet away. “Goood.” she drawled, a secretive smile curved her lips as she still drew their eyes to the front of her robe. The look on Rayce’s face was priceless when the pastry hit him dead center on his chest. Cream and filling slid down his chest while the crust hit the carpet beneath his feet with a satisfying plop. Hawk watched for a split second before he burst out laughing, only to have his laughter drowned out by the filling from the tart that hit him in the face. Fruit and glaze smothered his face and trailed down his chin. All the while Mishka stayed seated as she watched them. Rayce went from stunned silence to predator in a space of a few seconds. Mishka’s eyes sharpened as she watched him move a little closer to the table. When his hand landed on one of the smaller tarts she saw the wheels turning in his head and ducked just as the tart sailed over her head. Jumping up quickly, she grabbed the first thing she could and let it sail. The feeling of something wet hitting her in the thigh had her looking down, which proved to be her undoing. Looking down at the remains of a cream pie sliding down her thigh, she felt something hard plow into her side and tackle her to the floor. Rayce glowered at her just before she managed to slide out from under him. She vaulted over the table just as Hawk came from the other side. She managed to fling two more items she grabbed blindly but her aim was true. Soon both men were covered in a variety of creams and sauces as well as fruit. That was when they really retaliated and the battle continued on. Soon they were all covered; Mishka had a lemon filling trailing down her chest and under her robe as she tried to wriggle away from Hawk who had her pinned to the floor. A piece of crust trailed down his cheek and fell on her now exposed breast. Her chest heaved as she glared up at him. “Let me go, Hawk.” He let his eyes trail over her hair which fanned out wetly over the carpet as he held her down. “Not on your life, Mishka.” His hands were firm as he held her wrists above her head. Rayce stood out of her range of vision but she could hear his growls. Her cunt clenched at each and every growl, her clit pulsed when she looked at the heat in Hawk’s eyes as he looked down her body. Mouth watering, body pounding, suddenly all she wanted was to fuck them. She arched her back to raise her breasts to Hawk in mute 118

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appeal. His answer was to give her a long, slow lick up the valley between her breasts, clearing some of the cream away. She fell back to the floor panting at the heat she felt coming off him in waves. When he lowered his mouth once more she thought it was to kiss her, but instead he nibbled on the fruit sticking from the glaze to her cheek. She turned her head to let him have more access to her neck, hoping he would take the hint but Hawk was taking his time. Knowing full well what he was doing to her, Hawk took his time, nibbling and licking and inhaling her scent. His tongue dipped into her ear before running along the rim. His teeth set to her lobe and bit down hard, leaving a distinct impression of his teeth along her skin. Her response was a deep moan that seemed to come from her very core. “Hawk.” Gasping, Mishka wriggled frantically, trying to get closer, trying to get away. With him straddling her thighs she could do neither. Still lying in the remains of all that food she could feel it squish against her skin and between her ass cheeks, where her robe had ridden up. Grimacing at the feeling, Mishka struggled to remain calm. “Either let me up or fuck me now.” she hissed. Hoping to get some kind of response from him she was doomed for disappointment. Hawk was no longer looking at her but at something behind her. By the glint in his eyes, she knew she was in trouble. “Ready:” Rayce’s voice was deceptively soft as Hawk pulled her up and spun her around. The table had been cleared and moved out of the way so now the only things that remained were the pillows they used to sit on and a large blanket spread over them. Hawk didn’t give her time to even think about what they meant to do, instead he scooped her up and deposited her on the blanket and followed her down, pinning her in place with his hips grinding into her pelvis. Rayce said nothing but silently picked up her hand. One by one he put her fingers in his mouth, cleaning the frosting and filling from her hand. She felt the heat from his mouth and tongue sliding along her fingers first, then along her palm. Hawk started on her chest, his tongue gliding along the tops of her breasts, licking and sucking at her skin. Heat bloomed and her eyes widened as their mouths worked on her skin. When she made a move to grip Hawk’s shoulders, Rayce pulled her hands back down and held them to the floor. “No touching.” His voice was grave and deep with warning. A deep lethargy filled her as they continued. Her feet arched uncontrollably when Hawk moved down and started sucking on her toes, slowly he left no spot unattended as he moved up her arch, catching the piece of crust from one of the tarts. “Mmm” he purred against her instep as he munched and swallowed the treat. “You taste good, Mishka.” His voice so gravely vibrated against her 119

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instep. Her foot jerked in reaction to the vibration but with him holding onto her ankle she could not get away. For long minutes the only sounds that could be heard were sucking, moaning and slurping. Mishka was a mass of sensation. Hands and mouths moved in concert as Hawk moved up her body only to stop at her pretty glistening mound. He slowly blew on her skin, she shivered in reaction. Looking down the line of her body all she saw was his gray hair fanning around her hips as Hawk lowered his mouth to latch onto her skin. He started to lick and suck every exposed piece of skin, lapping up the cream that poured from her. Each lick, each nibble worked its way through her until she was twitching uncontrollably. Added to that, the movements that Rayce was performing on her breasts caused her to arch up higher and harder against those mouths. Rayce latched onto her nipple and drew strongly on it before closing his teeth around the tight, hard pebble. Her moans got louder and stronger. Unable to form a complete thought, Mishka was unable to tell them to stop and just fuck her like she wanted. This was their show; she had no say in what they did. Part of her wouldn’t have it any other way. The other part wanted to pull away and fall on them like a starved animal, thrusting her cunt around one of those cocks and complete the raging heat inside her. Hawk moved down her body, past her flat abdomen and through the valley between her breasts. Their eyes met and she saw the heat in his gaze. Power swirled in those gray orbs as they locked onto her, his mouth descending to those lips that glistened with her cream. A harsh exhalation was forced through her lungs as he latched on and began to feast on her flesh. His teeth, though not fully Cormidion, were still sharp and pointed. She felt the sharp bite against her clit and spasmed, trying to fight the pleasure roiling through her. Arching her back, Mishka snarled out with the heat coiling in her belly, a signal that she was about to erupt in mindless pleasure. For some reason she wanted them to be with her, to come with her. She didn’t want to face that pleasure alone. Locking her legs around Hawk’s head she squeezed, telling him to keep doing what he was doing. A dark chuckle was muffled by the curls at the juncture of her thighs. Her hands reached up and tangled in Rayce’s hair, clenching and twisting as the coil grew tighter and tighter within her. Rayce growled down at her, his eyes glowing in the dark. The growl was a warning but one she didn’t heed. Snarling back at him, she pulled his lips to her, biting and eating at his mouth. Trying to force some of that pleasure into him, she sealed her 120

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mouth under his and her tongue tangled with his. Without warning, the pleasure burst over her and she fought their hold. Mishka’s shriek of ecstasy was muffled by Rayce’s lips as she fought. Her muscles clenched, her womb flooded, pouring her essence out to Hawk’s waiting mouth. When she was finally released from their hold she was a boneless doll. Her head lolled to the side as she floated both mentally and physically. She felt one of them pick her up but couldn’t find the strength to open her eyes and see where they were taking her. The sound of running water answered that question even before they stood her under the hot spray between them. Her head was shoved under the water and she sputtered weakly. They washed her completely from head to toe before drying her and placing her in the center of the large bed. Her arms curled around them as they snuggled close to her, one on either side. Her purr of contentment was the last thing they heard as oblivion fell over them and they fell asleep.

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Chapter Fifteen

They started the batter of tests on all three of them the next day. Mishka sat on the metal gurney watching the scientist’s ‘ohh’ and ‘ahh’ over the results. Assistants would watch her out of the corners of their eyes. Anyone who made direct eye contact heard her growl as she showed her elongated teeth in a snarl. She took great joy in snarling at any of them. She felt like a lab rat spread out for them to poke and prod. Rayce sat on another gurney, his face stoic as he let them take their samples, and perform their tests. Hawk was nowhere to be seen. Apparently they had him secured in another room doing their testing on him separately. Mishka had initially growled at them for that piece of news but she soon figured out they were testing her ability to remain apart from one or more of her mates and for how long. Already her skin was itching, and her spots were growing darker with each passing hour. Her ire was rising as well. When she could take no more, she jumped down from the table and silently started pulling on her clothes. “We’re not finished yet!” one of the scientists rushed forward. Reaching out to grab her arm he flinched and fell back. Whirling around in a full fledged snarl, “Yes you are!” Gnashing teeth was all that the scientist saw, causing him to backpedal, trying to get away from her claws and teeth. “I have had enough of your prodding, sticking, and testing.” She moved in on the little man, backing him up against the wall as the others watched. “I have endured your whispers, your comments, and your condescension. Enough!” Slashing her claws close to his chest, she relished the squeal that came from him. Security rushed into the room and Hawk followed close behind. He had heard and felt the minute when she exploded. Rayce merely leaned back on his hands watching the show with a strange smile on his face. “How long did she last?” he leaned next to Rayce. “Four hours until her spots showed.” A grin spread across Hawk’s face as he watched the security personnel wrestle with Mishka. Wincing, he saw her hand come up followed by the sound of crunching bone as one of the men fell to the floor holding his face as blood poured from his nose. “Another two before this. Just watching her was entertaining.” 122

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“Something had better be done before she takes out the whole force.” Hawk sighed as he moved forward. He could hear her snarls and snapping teeth increase in volume and regularity as he moved forward. “Mishka.” His voice filtered through her rage until her head came up. Everyone gaped as her eyes had changed to feline and she blinked at him. Holding out a hand to her, Hawk met her eyes as if daring her to snap at him. Her teeth were stained red with blood from the bites she inflicted. Many of the security personnel were lying on the floor. As if coming out of a trance, Mishka relaxed and slowly, with a trembling hand, reached up to slide her fingers along his palm. Gently his hand closed around hers and pulled her to him. All the fine hairs on her arms stood up as she huddled into him, her eyes darting all around looking for danger. A rumble still ran in her chest as she watched the men lying on the floor. “Talen, you might want to get those who have been bitten on those beds now.” Rayce said somberly. Talen watched everyone, his hand on his weapon ready to draw at a split second. “What?” he tried to understand what wasn’t being said. The lead scientist bustled forward, a gleam in his eyes. “We will be able to see first hand what happens.” He sounded almost gleeful as he sent his men to help the four men down on the ground. “Someone explain to me what the hell is going on.” Talen gritted his teeth. Calming down, Mishka ran a hand through her hair, “I bit them.” The adrenaline levels were falling off at a startling rate. Slowly, she slumped in Hawk’s arms as her eyes rolled back in her head. Now suspended by just Hawk’s arms she was unaware when he picked her up and laid her on the gurney behind Rayce. “The poison that was absorbed into the commander has affected her blood and saliva.” The apparent leader of the scientists stepped forward, drawing all eyes to him. “When the commander bit into the captain, he in turn became infected with the strain. Now since the commander has the original strain, hers is much more powerful, therefore,” He paused dramatically, which caused Rayce to growl for the first time. The scientist flinched and hurriedly continued, “Your men, when bitten, were injected with the poison as well. We can now document the entire process of the change from beginning to its completion.” “You are not going to use my men as lab rats, Archem.” The blond giant stepped forward his intent plain. “Chief Almak, your men are in need of assistance. Until we get a handle on what 123

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this poison can do, we must document everything. If we are to stop the poison before thousands of our people are infected by accident, or on purpose!” The little weasel drew himself up and glared at the towering giant before him. “We have already started the process of identifying the components and have analyzed the commander’s blood. We must find an antidote, and find out where this mutation stops. If we can’t stop it, who knows what will happen. I will not compromise the lives of everyone on this planet and beyond because it inconveniences you.” His face grew red as he stated his case. It was clear he wasn’t used to standing up to anyone but he made his point. Talen glared at Archem for another moment, and then with a harsh breath he allowed the scientist to move in. With a nod to Archem, Talen moved back and allowed the others to move in on his men. They tried not to watch as the scientists flocked around the downed men. Mishka had rolled over on her side and was fast asleep, her eyes moving constantly under her closed lids, her muscles lax, and her hand still in Hawk’s as he softly caressed the back of her hand with his thumb. All the while his eyes remained on the men. “You might want to strap them down.” His voice almost a mere whisper as Rayce moved up further on the gurney to lay behind Mishka, his body conforming to her pose. She slept on silently as scientists took their tests. Rayce and Hawk watched in morbid fascination as the men started to go into convulsions as the poison worked its way through their system. Each and every one of those four men was strong, stronger than Mishka, but they still arched uncontrollably as the changes started. And still she slept on. **** Tarik smiled grimly as he set his course for Cormidion. Finally he was able to clear up the static and lock the signal of the tracker. He would have guessed they would have gone back to someplace familiar, to hide, to plan. He was behind by days. Who knew what they had already learned. Sweating slightly under the hot red lights of his one man craft, he kept his eyes on the computers. This is your last chance you dolt. The voice came back more fierce than ever in his mind. Reaching up, he threaded his hands through his hair, clutching at his head and moaning softly. You’re a pathetic fool. All of our plans are exploding in our face because you failed again! “Shut up!” Gritting his teeth against the pain and the voice in his head, he pounded the palms of his hands against his temples. Pulling a syringe out of his bag, fumbling with the catch, he injected the substance directly into his arm without taking care of the preparations. Instant soothing bliss overflowed him as the narcotic hit his 124

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system. It was only a temporary solution, he knew, but for now the voice was silent in his head and he could immerse himself in the undertow that was caused by the drug. Smiling blankly at the screen he keyed the sequence to lift off. Knowing it would take a few days to reach Cormidion, he could safely sleep for the trip and gather his strength for the days to come. **** Inside the Imperial Palace, Elaine the Royal Consort read over the latest reports form her small network of spies both within the palace and outside the walls. Her lips tightened in frustration as she saw that Tarik had reported that he was on his way to Cormidion to deal with the Lord Commander once and for all. It was doubtful he would live to see her plans completed. She had already planed on killing both Angelia and Tarik long before she ascended to the Throne. Carefully, she made sure that all evidence of the report and its trail were deleted from the computer system. She left nothing to chance. Even now the Emperor was still on that dead rock, enjoying torturing his enemies. He was a strong man even at his age. If her plans were to work, she needed to discover a way to poison the man without his physician or guards suspecting her involvement. Her lips curved into a feral smile as she thought about the cook’s assistant she had seduced into helping her. He thought he was so important to her, her love. He had no idea what her plans were for him, but he would soon enough. Picking up her brush, she absently stroked her hair away from her face. For silent moments, she contemplated her reflection in the mirror. She still had her looks after all these years. Constant diligence was the key. No wrinkle was ignored, no regime was abandoned. To get back into the Emperor’s good graces after her fit onboard the ship that had sent her back here, she had sent him his favorite wine along with a new toy for his enjoyment. There was no doubt in Elaine’s mind that when he returned to the palace, he would be back in her bed. Once he was there, she would spring her trap. He wouldn’t know what hit him. The dreamy smile grew sharp as she narrowed her eyes, still seeing his face in her visions, growing purple as he slowly suffocated. “And then all will be mine.” Her voice was a mere wisp of sound as she continued to brush her hair, her eyes glazed with inner pleasure. **** Angelia watched from the doorway, unseen by Elaine. She could tell the woman was plotting. But what, that was the question. Lately the consort had been watching her 125

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like a hawk, her gaze calculating. She knew that the consort was enraged by Tarik’s failure in killing the Lord Commander before he left that rock. Now Tarik was flying across the galaxy towards Cormidion and his last chance at redemption. If he failed this last task, Angelia feared her brother would be killed by one of the consorts’ assassins. Not that she cared about the dolt, but if Tarik was killed, she herself would be in more danger of being killed just so they could eliminate her. Too much was riding on her plans to lose now. Tarik could not fail, because if he did, Angelia thought with a maniacal gleam in her eye, she would kill the man herself. **** Mishka woke up still laying on the gurney. Grimacing at the foul taste in her mouth, she discovered at some point she had bitten the inside of her mouth and the coppery taste of blood still remained. She slowly extricated herself from Rayce’s arms and slid off the table. The other security men were strapped down but looked to be sleeping now. A few of the assistants were still scurrying around but at the sound of her groan and sitting up, they started eyeing her warily. “Good,” she thought to herself with satisfaction, “maybe they won’t come near me for a while.” Stretching for good measure she yawned wide, showing off her fangs to their best advantage. Only then did she lean casually against the table, her hand coming into contact with Rayce. “Stop scaring the scientists, my love.” Hearing Hawk’s voice, Mishka turned her head and watched as he sauntered into the room. He looked fresh as if he had slept a full night, showered and dressed in fresh clothes. Grimacing, Mishka looked down at her wrinkled uniform. “I need a shower.” The gurney jostled as she shifted her weight, shaking Rayce who woke up grumbling. She couldn’t tell what time of day it was because the room was windowless and the lighting too bright for her tired eyes. Squinting against the glare she steadied herself with a hand on the gurney. There was a pounding in her brain that had nothing to do with drums. “Well then a shower you shall have.” Hawk said gallantly, holding out a hand for her. Rayce silently slid off the table and grabbed her other hand. Together they all walked out of the dreary room into the bright sunlight of a Cormidion summer. The staff of the facility all moved out of the way as she walked down the hall. Apparently news of the altercation the day before had spread like wildfire. Inhaling deeply, she drew clean air into her lungs and shook off the remainder of sleep that clung to her like a fog. The sun shone high in the sky already, telling her that it was well past midday. The room they were in made it impossible to tell how long they 126

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were actually in there and she wasn’t ready to speculate at this point. She was free and that was what mattered. Mishka’s mood improved and she felt the tension flow out of her like water going down a drain. The prospect of a meal and a shower sounded like heaven. Her nose twitched at smells she could almost see wafting on the air. Sensory deprivation could play tricks on a person she knew. Gripping their hands tighter, she practically dragged them down the hall. Behind her, both Rayce and Hawk smiled at her exuberance. Practically at a run now she pounded down the stairs. She looked so free that Hawk didn’t have the heart to tell her she was going the wrong way. The colors seemed brighter, the sounds sharper, and the smells heightened as she almost jogged down the walk way. Finally she noticed that nothing seemed familiar. Not wanting to seem the idiot for getting them lost, she stopped and pretended to look at the statuary in the small garden. “Finally figured it out, eh?” Rayce sidled up close to her back and breathed in her ear. “Ready to go back and take that shower now?” He flicked out his tongue and ran it along the edge of her ear. Shivering against the thrill that shot through her at his touch, Mishka turned around to look at him. His deep green eyes smoldered as he watched her. “Let’s go back to the room.” His voice deepened, he inhaled her scent. Hawk felt a twinge of envy at the sight of them. They looked so similar before, their characteristics of the Cormidion in them always out for all to see. Now the similarities were even more so. More animalistic, more powerful, drawing all those in their vicinity to them like a moth to the flame. He wanted to be like that with them. Seeing their tails writhe before wrapping together in a long rope, the sight called to something inside of him. “Bite me.” The words left his mouth before he even thought about it. Mishka looked at him in confusion. “Bite me.” He repeated stepping closer to them. “But the risk--” Rayce snapped out. “My DNA sequencing is three quarters Cormidion. The doctor said that it should be compatible.” His eyes fierce, bored into theirs as he hissed. “Just because I look human doesn’t mean I’m not Cormidion. I want it.” “What about the command? Who knows if we will be allowed to serve?” Rayce pointed out logically. “You are the Lord Commander, Hawk. Who’s to say that the Emperor declares that we cannot fight? The venom may be a draw back to us. Are you 127

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sure you have thought about this?” His eyes were as fierce as they met his comrade as well as part of their mating. Mishka was conflicted. On one side she wanted nothing more than to share the bond that she and Rayce had with him. But Rayce was correct when he said that they didn’t know what would happen. “Hawk.” Her voice was reedy as she became more torn. “Be sure. I don’t think I could take it if you regretted your decision later on.” Hawk’s eyes softened as he gathered her in his arms. Lowering his mouth to a hairs breadth against hers he murmured, “I haven’t thought of much else since they confirmed the tests. We are all together in this mating. I feel separated from you, conflicted. I don’t want to feel that way any more. I’m tired of fighting this. For ten years we have been playing this dance. I send you out as far away as I can, and you come back and it begins all over again. The heat, the yearning, everything in me telling me to stop fighting the enviable.” He smoothed the hair away from her face with his hands, watching as her markings became darker and more defined. “I want this.” Crushing her fiercely against him, “I want nothing less than total merging with you. Promise me you will give it to me.” Closing her eyes, Mishka inhaled his scent. How could she deny him anything? Could she resist the temptation every time they were together to not bite his firm flesh? Even now his arms, so muscled and corded wrapped around her. She locked her gaze on his and searched for some answer. What she saw made her decision. Yearning battled with courage in his eyes. He didn’t make the decision lightly but he was firm in that decision. Slowly, she nodded her head. “All right. But we will take precautions.” She warned. “I want a healer in our rooms as soon as the conversion begins.” When he opened his mouth to say something she cut him off. “Three quarters a Cormidion you may be Hawk.” She glowered, “but there is still one quarter human in you and we don’t know how this will react. Everything is mere speculation.” He closed his eyes and sighed. He would take what he could get, and if it meant allowing a healer in the room then so be it. **** Mishka had a feeling that Hawk wanted a similar scenario that she had with Rayce when he was bitten. Smiling, she led him into the bedroom along with Rayce and the Healer they had called. Already the statuesque woman stood in the corner of the room, setting up her equipment to document the procedure for future study. Cables and monitors were connected to Hawk as he lay on the bed. “Are you sure you wish to try this, Commander?” the healer murmured from her 128

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corner banked by computers and monitors. “It has been decided.” Snapping because of her agitation, Mishka rounded on the healer. “You don’t need to spell out the ramifications. We have discussed them all.” The healer’s lips pinched together as she tried to remain calm. “Of course, Commander,” Drawing herself up she double-checked the monitors, “Everything is ready here.” Striving for calm when she had none, Mishka leaned down and cradled his cheek. “Are you ready, my love?” she murmured, looking down at him with all the love she could put in her gaze. “Once we start we can’t stop.” Hawk wordlessly leaned his cheek into the hand that caressed him. “You’re trying to change my mind and it won’t work.” He arched his head to the side, making it easier for her to bite his neck. She wouldn’t make it that easy, grinning to herself as she slid down the bed. Instead of sealing her lips on his neck, next to the vein that stood out throbbing, she caressed his chest with her tongue, finding just the right spot. Before he could react she opened her mouth wide and struck. Hawk arched on the bed, his eyes widened in surprise as she bit around his hardened nipple. “Shit,” he hissed through the sudden pain before the burning began filling him, “You could have warned me.” Falling back to the bed, Hawk felt his legs and arms start to go numb. She watched him carefully as he started to twitch. Muscles were seizing as the fire raced through his system. He gritted his teeth and tried to breathe through his nose. Mishka and Rayce both took a hand to let him know they were with him, seeing the process through his eyes and feelings. Through their bond she could feel each twist of muscle, each stab of pain. Her heart hurt to feel his pain through their bond. Tightening her hand around his, she tried to pour more strength into him. His eyes remained locked on hers through all that pain. Those orbs told her that he was strong, strong enough to handle what ever came their way. The time it took would seem like days instead of a few hours. Soon, Hawk was lax and unresponsive as the coma took hold. She knew from Rayce’s experience that he would be out for a few days. That didn’t stop the same gut-wrenching fear from grabbing hold as it did with Rayce. The healer quickly pushed them off to the side so she could take her notes and evaluate her patient. “He’s doing fine for now. I want to see him every hour and check him. Don’t move him.” She warned as she went back to the computer. Wrapping her arms around herself, Mishka watched as the Healer finished for the 129

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time being and left her equipment before striding out of the room. Rayce came up behind her and pulled her against his chest. “He will be fine.” “I don’t think I can bear it if I lose either one of you.” Her eyes filmed over as she watched the now sleeping Hawk. “I don’t know how my mother stood it with just one mate. I would feel empty without you both.” “Your mother was a different woman. What she did wasn’t right or wrong, just different. Our society doesn’t see the difference.” He sighed, his chest rising and falling so she could feel his body behind her. “Society is different today than it was ten years ago, Mishka.” “Yes.” Her answer was half-heartened, “I suppose we should take the trip to visit your family. They should be told.” His chest shook with a silent chuckle. “You’re just afraid of my mother.” She could hear the smile in his voice. Leaning her head back against his chest, she sighed. “You’re right. The woman terrifies me. Do you know the day you were assigned to my unit she came to see me?” Revealing that truth was embarrassing. “‘Commander Sakar?’ she told me, ‘You will treat my son with the respect he deserves as my eldest son. But don’t let him get away with any crap. He’s a terror to be sure, but honorable and strong the way I raised him to be. If you show him respect he will follow your orders of that you can be sure.’ I was intimidated by this woman who stormed into my office, demanding that I take care of her son. I just stood there at attention for ten minutes while she ranted on and on about how I should ‘handle you’.” Rayce was roaring with laughter as he fell into the chair, pulling her along with him. “The mighty Commander Sakar!” he shook with laughter, “cowed by a mother. My mother. I wish I could have seen it.” Shaking his head, his tawny hair flying around his shoulders as his laughter faded, a smile still on his face. “You were a snot-nosed terror when you first arrived and you know It.” Trying to wriggle out of his embrace, Mishka growled. “Pushing your limits with me at every turn, it was a good day when I learned your weakness.” “Don’t even start on my weakness. Tell anyone and I will start talking myself.” He purred evilly in her ear, ignoring her squirming. “We have at least three days of waiting before Hawk comes to. In the mean time I suggest we take the time to get ready for the trip, and finish the tests with Archem. By the time Hawk is ready to leave, the little scientist should have all the data he can handle while were away. Now, go take your shower.” He gave her a shove out of his lap and added a slap on the ass for good measure, ignoring her shout of outrage. To get back at him, Mishka used all the hot water stored for the day. Grinning to 130

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herself, she dried her hair and watched in the mirror as Rayce walked sublimely naked into the glass enclosure. The minute he turned on the water, she heard his deafening roar fill the room. She doubled over with laughter and then ran for the safety of the bedroom to dress before he came out. Twenty minutes later she was dressed and braiding her long length of hair into an intricate rope that hung down her back. Rayce stalked back into the bedroom and glared at her, his hair dripping as he lashed a towel low on his hips. She smiled softly as she watched him walk through the room in the reflection. His muscles clearly delineated, thou his skin was darker than hers. His skin sported a bronze tan that never faded. She used to tease him when they were on summer campaigns and he would swelter in his armor. Even now, he looked as if he had spent a month at the beach and enjoyed every minute of it. Rayce caught her watching him and turned around flashing his taut backside as he released the towel. A shudder went through her as she watched those muscles flex as he bent over and rubbed the excess moisture out of his hair. Cormidion’s were used to wearing their hair long as a sign of health and longevity. When they entered the Forces, many cut their hair short rather than deal with the tangling in their armors spikes or helmets. Both Mishka and Rayce had kept with Cormidion tradition and left their hair long, though Rayce kept his trimmed to just below his shoulders. “Stop staring and finish getting ready.” Rayce’s voice was muffled by the towel as he rubbed his hair. She flushed as she jerked her eyes away from his backside and finished braiding her hair. Soon she would have to either trim three inches off or braid it differently. It was getting too long for her to manage alone. In her early years, she remembered her mother sitting before the fire, her father sitting behind her, brushing her hair and braiding it for her each night. A wave of sadness shadowed her eyes. So many things she would barely remember. A flash here, a jolt there, but always the whole memory was out of sight for her to grasp a hold of and keep tight. Slowly, she laid the brush on the table and stared at the tabletop. “What is it, Mishka?” She felt Rayce’s hand fall on her shoulder. Silently she shook her head as if to banish the memory, but the scene wouldn’t leave. “My father used to braid my mothers hair. She would sit before the fire and he would spend over an hour each night brushing and plating her hair. When they were done they would stare at the flames in the pit for a long time, just holding each other. I sometimes wondered what they thought about during that silent time. Did they make 131

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plans for the future do you think? Did I please them?” She met his eyes in the mirror, her amber eyes fierce despite the film that covered them. Sitting behind her on the bench, Rayce picked up the brush and pushed her hand away gently. “My mother does that as well. My fathers would take turns braiding her hair. They would talk about the days hunt, or what stores needed filling for the winter months. But always they would spend time at night with us. My sisters were always fighting for a place at her feet while I would watch from beside the fire. I remember when I reached adulthood, my first hunt, Mother sat me down before that fire and told me what I should look for in a mate. I was so scared those first few weeks. Would any of the females choose me? Who else would they choose? Could I please a female?” He smiled in remembrance. “She would always stop my fears before I could even voice them.” He slowly ran the brush through Mishka’s hair, making sure all the strands were in his hand. As he spoke, she felt a rush of heat in the region of her heart as he talked about his mother. “I don’t remember much about my mother.” She confessed, her eyes dropping. “There was an old woman who lived alone on the edge of the village. Her mates had long since departed, there were no children. We had an unspoken agreement. I would help her with her chores, and her food; she would look the other way when I crept into her back room to sleep near the fire.” Shrugging her shoulder, “We never spoke during those first few years. But she fed me and taught me how to make things for my own house one day. It was just before the hunt when she told me to sit at the table one night.” A sad smile flitted across her face at the memory. “‘Mishka’,” she said, “‘you will go on your first hunt soon. You will be an adult, answerable to no one but yourself. Make sure you look for the best of the men during your hunt. Do not choose too quickly because they may not be what you want or need.’ I had not thought of a mate, but she pointed out it was better to be prepared than to walk in blindly. We stayed up late into the night, talking about the hunt and what would be expected of me to prove that I was able to support two mates, as well as provide for the village. Having no one before me to talk to but the old woman, I kept my fears to myself. I shoved them so deep that when the hunt was called I went on automatic pilot.” Rayce had finished the braid and it hung neatly between her shoulder blades. Mishka looked up at him with clear eyes, “I think I know what she meant. I may have waited but you were there just the same. Both of you were there when I needed you. How could I have over looked it?” Rayce cupped her cheek and turned her face away from the mirror. “Sometimes 132

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we can’t see what’s right in front of us. Sometimes it takes something extraordinary to open our eyes. Yours opened, just be happy they did. I don’t think I could have stayed near you much longer if they hadn’t.” “You would have left?” Her eyes widened. “Why didn’t you say anything?” Clueless, he thought, absolutely clueless to the impact she had on him. “Mishka you are the strongest woman I know. You have gone into battle with only your whip and come out unscathed. I’ve seen you hold a dying soldier when he had no one around. Your men look up to you, your friends are few but loyal. I couldn’t stand the thought of passing another year being near you but never being noticed.” Taking a cleansing breath she wrapped her arms around him, laying her cheek on his shoulder. “Then it’s a good thing I woke up don’t you think?” “Yes,” he closed his eyes as he spoke, “You finally woke up.”

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Chapter Sixteen

Hawk woke up four days later. It took another two days for him just to be able to sit up without passing out. Since he had one quarter human blood, it took longer for the adaptation of the mutation to take effect. During those days, Mishka watched him like a proverbial hawk. Every sound he made and she was running back into the room. Tests were taken every hour on the hour by the healers to see if his DNA was now stabilizing or if he was still in the transition. Only when he was finally declared out of the woods did Mishka breathe a sigh of relief and allow Rayce to bully her into taking a rest. When Hawk had taken longer to wake up, she had panicked. Only Rayce had seen her breakdown and he was keeping his mouth closed. Rayce watched her pace outside the bathroom as they listened to the shower run. Hawk was inside the shower, alone and Rayce could tell Mishka wanted to rush inside and make sure he was all right. She continually growled low in her throat and pace. When the water shut off, she stopped and stared at the door as if willing it to open on its own so she could see inside. Hawk had made her promise not to hover, but that’s what she was doing pacing in front of the door. Stepping back she moved over to her table and picked up her personal computer. Rayce grinned slightly at the sight, knowing how hard it was for her not to pounce on Hawk as the door opened. Already there were changes in him that were clearly visible. His hair had darkened to more of a charcoal color, with liberal slices of white showing through the layers. Already he had a similar pattern of spots fading in and out, almost like Mishka’s but more of a black and white pattern. When he stood in the door, they both could tell that Hawk was exhausted by the ordeal of a mere shower. Trying her hardest not to rush to his side, she carefully set down the computer and looked at him silently. “I need help getting back to the bed.” He grumbled low in his throat. He was at the limit of his endurance and Rayce calmly walked over and slid his shoulder under Hawk’s arm, and walked him slowly to the bed. Mishka’s eyes followed them as they made progress across the room. Hawk could see the caution in her eyes. He could tell she was trying hard and he 134

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was grateful for it. Sitting on the side of the bed he sighed, his head hanging before he slid in a slump to lay half on and half off the bed, his head on the pillow, his legs still over the side and dragging the floor. “Mishka?” He held his hand out to her as he rolled over. Rayce gently placed his legs back on the bed so he could stretch out. In a flash, she was on the bed holding his hand to her chest as she curled around him. Panting slightly from the exertion of moving through the room, Hawk kissed her forehead. “Thank you for trying, my heart.” “Well I did try.” Her response was a weak attempt at a joke. “I’m all right.” Hawk eyed both of them. “You heard the healers. Everything is stabilizing. Another few days and it will be as if I never went through the conversion. The changes are already firmly in place.” “You had me worried.” Mishka whispered harshly against his shoulder. “It took you so long to wake up. Don’t do that to me again.” “You should have seen her, Hawk.” Rayce called out as he lowered the blinds to the room, casting everything in shadow from the late afternoon sunshine. “Pacing around the room day and night. Every noise had her running back in here just to check and see if you were still breathing.” “I’m sorry I worried you.” His arms, though weak, curled around her and gave her an abbreviated hug. “They say it’s because of that one quarter human in me, it caused the conversion to take longer that’s all. I’m well on the road to recovery.” “That’s good.” Mishka hid her tearing eyes from them as she sniffed, “Rayce has had to delay the trip to his village for another week because of you.” “It’s customary that when mated, we travel to our parents’ home to prove the next generation is secure.” Rayce said. “Since my family is the only one still alive, we need to go see my parents as soon as possible to prove the bond to them. They will not accept a vid-call or a letter.” “I remember reading something about that after first coming here so long ago.” Hawk mused as he shifted his shoulders a tad. “As long as we can take it slow, I don’t see any reason why we can’t leave tomorrow.” He made it sound like taking a stroll through the park. Rising up on her elbow, Mishka glared down at Hawk. “We will not leave tomorrow, you idiot. We will go at the end of the week. The village is a two day ride even by speeder. In your condition, I will not take the risk of sleeping outside until you are back on your feet.” With a grumble she settled back down, crossing her arms across her chest and glaring at the ceiling. Already the fight was brewing and Rayce calmly laid back and waited for the 135

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eruption. He didn’t have to wait long. Hawk struggled to sit up and scowled, “I have been Commander over all the forces for the last fifteen years, Mishka Sakar, and even before that time I have managed just fine without you watching every move I made! We will leave tomorrow and that’s the end of it!” She didn’t shout, she erupted out of the bed, spots covering her skin, fangs dropping as she hissed at him. “Fine! If you want to drop dead after taking a stupid risk, go right ahead. We will leave tomorrow.” Standing over him like an avenging angel, she spat, “And if you even falter once, I will leave you behind. I will leave you for the animals to feed on! And when you finally see reason then maybe you might begin to think that I might have a brain in my head and realize that I was right!” Whirling around, Mishka stalked out of the room, her howl of rage echoing off the walls before the front door slid shut. Silence descended as both men watched the doorway, half expecting Mishka to show back up. When five minutes passed and she still didn’t return, Rayce stood up and walked over to the window, lifting the blinds out of the way. He saw a blurred figure racing towards the tree line before disappearing from sight. With a heavy sigh, he turned around and let the blinds fall into place. “She went for a run didn’t she?” Hawk sounded subdued as Rayce watched him. “You take to many risks, my friend. Mishka was really worried when you didn’t react like the others. Up all hours of the night, bullying the healers into checking on you. Every minute thinking her nightmares would come true and you would disappear from her life. A Cormidion female has one drive. To find her mates, and keep them safe and to raise the next generation of offspring. Mishka has faced quiet a few realizations over the last few days. She saw you vanishing on the wind, leaving her with one mate, an exact duplicate of her experience with her mother and father. Every time you push yourself she tenses up.” Leaning against the wall, half turned to the window, blinds lifted a ways, Rayce looked out towards the spot she had disappeared. Hawk sighed heavily, his eyes closing. “I’m not going to leave her. I know my limitations.” Grumbling, he jerked the blankets back in an angry movement. “I know it hasn’t been easy. My conversion was different than yours. But I remember seeing the fright in her eyes during those three days you were out. It was as if her world had disappeared, leaving chaos and terror. She would wake up for no reason just to see if you were breathing.” “The instinct drives them hard. You will find that her emotions drive her now. Instinct and emotion, the instinct to protect her family above all else. Right now 136

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everything in her world is new and frightening. Her mother wasn’t there to teach her these things, so she has to discover her way on her own. You aren’t helping by pushing her away, and trying to do everything yourself.” Shifting he settled into the window sill. “Let her have her way for now. Let her get used to having us with her all the time. She’s used to being on her own, taking care of herself. Now all of a sudden she has two men with her constantly, not just in the Forces, but in her bed. It’s overwhelming for her.” Hawk knew he was right and said so, “I know. But she doesn’t make it easy.” A wry grin twisted his lips as he settled back down. “She tried, I will give her that.” “It’s not in her makeup.” Rayce laughed quietly, “She will run off her anger and be back soon.” **** Mishka raced through the forest. Vines snapping at her legs as she dodged trees in her race to outrun her fears and anger. Stupid idiotic bastard, she railed in her mind as she fought the red haze of anger, thinks he can do it all by himself when he can barely stand up straight. Couldn’t even take out one of the hunted here. Snorting she slapped at another vine. Looking up, she noticed the trees grew in a network of branches, larger than her leg. Strong and sure she leapt up and grabbed a low hanging branch and hefted herself up. Crouching on the limb she lifted her nose and tested the air. There to the north, she smelled something tasty. Her stomach growled and her mouth watered. Instinct took over as she felt her eyes adjust to the descending light. Shadows poured over everything as she sped along the branches, keeping her quarry within her scent range. When the beast changed direction she took a parallel course. She could hear it grunting and growling in the brush. From the sounds she knew it was a Sera Beast. At full growth the beast would be over four feet at its highest point, six feet long and weighing in at over three hundred pounds. Usually docile, they would forage for vegetation on the forest floor. They were usually corralled for pack animals in outlying villages, and food in an emergency. Twenty minutes later, she had her quarry in her sights. Looking down at her hands she saw that her claws were extended. Looking back at the Sera Beast she growled low in her throat. The beast raised its head in panic, looking around for the sound but because of its short neck it couldn’t look too far up into the trees to spot her. A strange tingling sensation started at the base of her neck, spreading through her body. A strange popping sound hit her ears and she looked down to see her arms lengthening, hair spreading over in spotted pattern. Her hands reshaped themselves into thick padded paws, the claws springing out from its tips. Her pants shredded as her legs 137

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reshaped and lengthened. Damnit, I liked those pants, she thought, not really believing what was happening to her. Sheltered by a bough of branches and leaves beneath her she fell to her side as the shift took over. Barely feeling any pain she felt the fur ripple over her flesh, her clothes being shredded and falling around her. The shift only took minutes but it felt like an eternity. When finally she rose to her paws she shook herself and took stock. Her long tail balanced her body as she crouched on the branches beneath her. Licking her mouth, she felt the whiskers on either side of her nose. Shaking her head in irritation she scratched her side before she realized what she was doing. A chuffing growl erupted from her throat before she zeroed in on the Sera Beast who by now had moved out of her range of sight. No matter, still able to smell the beast she took off silently, barely moving the leaves on the branches as she kept pace with the slow gate of the beast. Five yards later she spotted him by a pool, taking a nightly drink. Instinct took over as Mishka moved in for the strike. Crouching on the branch, she placed her head between her paws and watched him with strange eyes. The pupils elongated and dilated to allow for better night vision, she watched the area to make sure no unwanted visitors were around. Still downwind from the beast, Mishka knew she had the element of surprise on her side. Taking up a flanking position she allowed the beast to take a quick dip in the water before ambling out to munch on some ferns nearby. Grinning, she reveled in the hunt. Waiting for just the right moment to strike, gauging the right spot for the kill shot. With no weapons, only her teeth and claws, total predator was what she had become and she reveled in the strength flowing through her. Another animal, smaller and timid crept into the clearing. Its spindly legs and small horns were no match for her strength or speed, so she merely bared her fangs and hissed, the noise startling the animal enough to bolt. In her miscalculation, the Sera beast also panicked and tried to move as fast as it could out of the clearing for the safety of the underbrush. Not about to let her prey get away she pounced to the ground, the dust settling in a small cloud around her as she kicked up dirt, her hind legs digging in for purchase as she sprinted after the Sera beast. With her new form she was able to twist and turn through the forest floor, avoiding vines and trees with no trouble at all, her body conforming to her twists and turns. At one point she leapt sideways and pushed off the trunk of a tree to get ahead of the beast. Twisting in mid-air she fell to all fours and crouched in front of the cornered Sera. She hissed at him, bearing her fangs to the fading light. Her tail lashed slowly 138

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behind her, mesmerizing the Sera as she watched it. Nervously, the Sera pawed the ground, its eyes watching the sway of her tail. Knowing that the Sera was night blind, it would only see the movement of the tail, not what it was attached to, but it could smell her now that she was up wind from her prey. Instinct told her the beast didn’t know what it smelled, foreign and strange, so it remained standing hoping to blend in with the vines. She bided her time, allowing the Sera to be lulled by the movement of her tail. Flexing her claws she kneaded the ground as she crouched. Time ceased to have any meaning for her. It was just the Sera and her, biding time until the right moment. She had all the time in the world out here in the jungle. Grinning, she almost felt sorry for Rayce because he would soon be going through a similar change. A sound off to her right caused the Sera to jolt and look in that direction. That was the sign she was waiting for. In a mighty leap, she attacked. Her claws raked down its sides, blood flowing to the packed earth beneath it. She clamped her powerful jaws around its neck and bit in hard. The crushing power of those teeth and jaws quickly shattered bones and cut off the air supply of the Sera. It went down in a flurry of squeals and thrashing as she rode it down to the ground, her jaws still clamped to its neck. Blood filled her mouth as she kept up the pressure. Swallowing eagerly, she allowed the blood to fill her stomach and knew this was right. She no longer felt conflicted about anything in her life. Everything fell neatly into place. It seemed like hours until the beast stopped thrashing. Knowing its squeals would draw unwanted attention, she quickly released its neck and moved to the backend where she could grab hold of a leg and began dragging it back towards the city. She felt like prancing as the adrenaline eased off. Happily she would have snacked but instinct told her that there were larger carnivorous animals in this forest ready to make a meal out of her if she wasn’t careful. Surprisingly she was only a mile away from the city. Leaving the tree line in almost the exact same spot she entered she pulled her kill into the grassy area under the complex where her mates probably slept. Her snarling howl woke up more than Rayce and Hawk. Lights came on throughout the whole complex and running feet could be heard outside. “What was that?” Hawk struggled awake as the howl came again. A tingling through his brain was a clue but in his sleepy state, he couldn’t think about it. Looking out the window, Rayce smothered a curse as he pulled on his pants. “An animal has breached the perimeter fence. Drug something apparently from what I can 139

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see. We better get down there. Mishka still hasn’t come back.” With Rayce’s help they managed to make it outside as the security men, led by Talen, surrounded the cat. Mishka lay beside the beast; her head between her paws as she watched Talen and the others surround her. They weren’t threatening her, she knew instinctively, but if they came any closer she was going to teach them a new lesson. She allowed her eyes to fall halfway closed as she watched the men. Catching her breath from dragging the Sera for a mile, her tail swayed gracefully as she lay there. When Hawk and Rayce came into view she sat up regally and began cleaning herself. Blood stained her paws and mouth as she delicately licked her fur. Her ears kept flicking around, catching sounds as people came out to ‘ohh’ and ‘ahh’ over her. No one had ever seen a cat here in over five hundred years. She was a forgotten myth. Blowing through her nose she made a strange welcoming sound as her mates stumbled into view. “What in the name of the Goddess?” Rayce gaped at the creature before them. It was when he saw the eyes that he knew. “Commander Sakar.” Darjan Almak walked into the clearing, passing her brother and his men, “That is a magnificent coat you have there.” Regally, she knelt before the cat, ignoring shouts of warning. Mishka gave a feline grin as she lowered her head back to the ground. “You have turned out magnificently, my dear.” Darjan laughed softly, “May I?” she held out her hand before touching. The cat gave a negligent shrug and the visionary sank her hand in Mishka’s fur. A loud rumbling erupted in her throat as the visionary caressed her fur. “Mishka?” Hawk’s shocked voice interrupted her enjoyment of the massage. She lifted her head and glared at her mate, a low short growl sounding loud in the clearing. “She’s still mad at you apparently,” Rayce laughed, moving forward. Awed by her form he sat easily before her, ignoring the carcass of the Sera for the moment. “You were gone a long time, my heart.” He looked her over from the tips of her pointed ears to the end of her long tail. She was truly magnificent. Her spots made her hard to see in the dark, but her amber eyes stood out like a beacon in the night. She seemed to be smiling at him, sitting there regally before them. She yawned wide, showing off her dangerous teeth. People watching gasped at the deadly fangs and jumped as she stood up and padded a few inches to rub herself against Rayce. Her tail wrapped around his chest, purring as she rubbed her cheek against his. She looked sleepily over at Hawk, who stood leaning against Talen. 140

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“Stupid idiot, sit down before you fall down.” Her voice seemed to echo in their minds. Even she looked startled for a minute. “You spoke.” Rayce whispered to her, inhaling the musky scent from her fur. “Of course I can speak.” Sounding affronted she backed away from him. “Though I don’t know why I even bother.” Sniffing she walked over to her kill and began looking it over. The beast alone would fill the bellies of her entire village for at least two days. She felt Hawk’s presence before she saw him. His hand landed in the grass by her head as he awkwardly landed beside her. It was clear he was still tried and she snuffled as she thought, still trying to do it all. “Would you want anyone taking care of you?” Hawk glared at her, despite her sharp claws and teeth. Her new form still amazed him and he wasn’t sure he was altogether comfortable with her like this. “Can you change back?” She cocked her head as she thought about it. Once the thought popped into her brain, a tingling began once again at the base of her skull. The transition back to human form was easier than before. A few audible pops as her legs and arms reformed themselves and she was sitting naked in the field. “Ruined my best pair of pants.” Grumbling, she snatched the jacket Rayce quickly dropped around her shoulders making sure to cover everything to prying eyes. Instead of feeling tired, or exhausted by her change, Mishka felt energized, full of life and power. She could feel everyone watching her. Speculation, unvoiced questions and thoughts swirled around her. She could hear whispers just out of reach of understanding She tried to zero in on one whisper and another would overlap, becoming louder for just that instant before blending in with the others. The whole event was frustrating. Looking around she absently leaned against Hawk, her head against his shoulder. Still running on the shifting high she couldn’t concentrate on one thought long enough to form a complete sentence. “Getting her back into the room.” She caught the last few words of what they were saying. Tilting her head back, she looked up at Rayce. “I don’t want to go inside.” Stretching her back she arched like a cat, unaware of the movement. Her eyes slid shut as she arched, her toes pointing and curling with the movement. “I like it out here.” Her voice held just a tinge of a pout to it as she curled up against Hawk. Just as she got comfortable, thunder rumbled overhead. Glaring at the sky she saw the dark clouds roiling above them. She didn’t notice the sudden wind until the first fat drops of rain hit her face. Grimacing in discomfort from the cold drops, she wrapped 141

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the cloak tighter around her. “Come on. Let’s get everyone out of the rain. Damnit, Mishka would you cooperate please.” Rayce bullied them and swore the whole way up to the apartment. Hawk was leaning weakly against the wall, looking ready to collapse at any minute. Sweat poured down his face, darkening his hair as he panted. Mishka trembled with cold as she stood in the center of the room, her hair hanging limply around her, the braid long gone from the shift; wet curls fell to her hips. There was a slight blue tinge to her lips now and she grabbed the towel that Rayce threw at her as he came out of the bathroom. Mindful of the water dripping off her she sat on the low table and vigorously rubbed her hair, knowing there would be tangles, but really didn’t care. After years of being in the rain, tromping through water, she never had a problem with water until now. Suddenly she hated being wet. She hated each drop that slithered downward, making her skin crawl. Making an annoyed sound she shook her body seriously upset by the feeling of the water on her skin. “I need another towel.” She curled up pathetically ineffectually wiping at her wet skin with the equally wet towel. Both men were intent on their own bodies and didn’t hear her complaint. Rayce helped Hawk back into bed after getting undressed. She cast them an irate glance but didn’t move for fear another drip of water on her skin. Grimacing at her arms, she wiped at them, only to smear the water even further. Growling out her ire she sat there shivering and getting angrier at each passing moment. She couldn’t think beyond getting the water off her. Her skin crawled and she could feel her claws growing. “Get it off.” She growled, glaring at the offending moisture. “Get it off.” A rumble filled her throat as she grimaced at the feeling of her wet hair against her skin. Everything irritated her. Finally her growls and noises brought Rayce back out into the main room. “What are you still doing sitting there?” He grumbled, moving over to her. She looked like a drowned rat spitting fire at him with her eyes. “I don’t like being wet. Get it off.” She hissed through clenched teeth. Rayce could tell she was becoming upset by the thought of water on her now. Clueless as to what the big deal was he lifted her up and carried her into the bathroom. Turning on the drying unit he dumped her carelessly and let the heat of the air blow her dry. Standing under the hot air she felt the heat enter her body. The water slowly evaporated as she stood there, lifting her arms she watched as the moisture 142

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disappeared. Fascinated she felt her hair; the strands were already drying and were curling around her head in a halo of writhing dark strands. After a while the heat stopped and she discovered that she was dry once more. Smiling happily, Mishka stepped from the unit and stretched the kinks out of her body. She was alone in the bathroom so she took a few minutes to take stock. At the time she hadn’t really thought about the shift. It just happened and her body and mind accepted it as natural. Now she was beginning to get the stirrings of panic. Tiny shivers at the edge of her consciousness. It was as if she let herself delve to deeply into the whys and where for’s, it would be too much. Too much had happened in the last weeks and now it was catching up with her. I turned into a feline. She thought, frowning and biting on her thumbnail. It’s not possible. “Turn the brain off for now, Mishka.” Hawk’s voice carried into the room and her head jerked up. “We can hear you all the way in here. Turn it off for now.” Cautiously she stepped into the doorway. On the bed they were both laid out like some fantasy. A lone sheet covered them to their hips, but they were clearly naked beneath that large square of silky fabric. A shiver went down her spine that had nothing to do with water. Heat pooled in her lower abdomen as she watched the two on that bed. Rayce lay on his side, his head propped up by his arm. His hair flowed around his shoulders as if it had a life of its own. Gold’s, brown, yellow, and red all blended together in that head of hair. She was almost mesmerized by his hair alone. When he shifted slightly she brought her eyes back to his. Green so deep, it reminded her of the jungle near their village. Blinking, she came back to herself to look at Hawk. He still looked tired, but the look in his eyes was anything but. Heat banked in those gray-blue orbs. From the mutation, she saw his eyes changing from grey to blue and back again. His chest was still smooth and hard, his nipples pointing out towards her, begging for attention. Unaware that she had moved, she almost fell on the bed when her knees bumped into the mattress. With a low growl, she climbed up and slinked along the valley between them. Dividing her time between them became complicated as she got closer. Their scents melded into one. The smell of aroused male was a heady thing to her nose. Inhaling deeply she allowed her eyes to settle on Rayce as she leaned into him. Her lips closed over his and she tangled her tongue with his. He barely moved his body, just his head to accommodate her mouth on his. A deep groan told her he was enjoying the kiss. When she pulled back, his eyes were now unfocused and burning. Looking at Hawk she saw that he had edged closer to her, his hand reaching out 143

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for her. She knew he was too weak to take charge like he wanted to. The sheet tented where his erection was growing hot and heavy. Her mouth watered at the sight. Slowly she pulled the sheet down and away, allowing that cock to rise up over him; that glistening head calling out to her. She lowered herself to her stomach as she slid down the bed. A rumbling sound filled the air as she reached out and grabbed a hold with both hands. “So pretty.” She purred, lapping at it like a piece of candy. It pulsed beneath her hands, feeling the blood flow. She heard his breathing change as he closed his eyes. Her mouth on him was paradise. He felt every lick, every nibble as she brought her lips around the head of his cock. “Take it all, Mishka.” He groaned, fisting his hands in the sheets. The look in her eyes had his stomach clenching. She was looking at him like a feast and she was starving for just a taste. Slowly she took him all the way to the back of her throat. The feeling of his length filling her mouth tickled the back of her throat so she swallowed slightly, her throat closing around his head. She pulled back, her cheeks hollowing as she sucked at his cock. Her tongue followed the large vein that lead down the underside of his cock. She savored each taste from the saltiness of his skin, to the salty sweetness of the pearl of liquid that flowed from the tip of his cock. Apparently she was moving to slow for him, because on the next downward stroke his hips lifted and he moved faster into her mouth. In warning she used her teeth to scrape against the skin. He froze for just a second before relaxing and allowing her, her lead. Lost in the euphoria of sucking and licking him down, she was startled when hands lifted her lower body so she was on her hands and knees. She looked down and saw Rayce settling beneath her, his mouth raising to latch on to her folds. His tongue separated her lips, feasting on the honey that flowed from her. With an inarticulate cry she went back to Hawk, sucking and licking a little faster than before. Soon groans and panting filled the air as Rayce fed off of her, and she fed off of Hawk. The scent of her rising passion filled the air, mixing with the musky scent of their sex. Rayce had the talent to bring her quickly to the edge of madness and left her hanging there until Hawk started to come, his breathing quickening before he bellowed, the sound ricocheting off the walls. Thick creamy liquid filled her mouth and throat as she swallowed, her tongue lashing his cock as she tried to keep up. Carefully she cleaned him, making sure every drop was caught by her questing tongue. As Hawk relaxed against the pillows, Rayce took his queue. Pushing her more firmly against his mouth with his hands around her hips, he 144

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held her firmly in place while he began to lick and nibble and suck at her. He moved up to her clit and firmly but gently bit the hard nub, glistening with her juices. Her back bowed as she screeched her pleasure. Wriggling in earnest she was alternately trying to get away, and get closer to the pleasure that had her screaming her orgasm to the ceiling. Now boneless she fell forward, her head pillowed on Hawk’s firm abdomen. Hands grabbed her under her arms and pulled her up. When Hawk tipped her head back she smiled tiredly at him, and tried to bring her hand up to his cheek. “You were the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen.” He said referring to her other form. “We were worried when you didn’t return.” He gently hugged her to his chest, her breasts flattening slightly under the pressure. “It’s like a vision from the past. You looked just like the history texts your historians covet so much.” He caressed her cheek even as Rayce slid gently into her channel from behind. She closed her eyes in ecstasy as Rayce began to move slowly and evenly. Her womb clenched tightly on every inward stroke. She could tell he was affected by the deep groans coming from him. “You could have been there when I changed, but someone wanted to do everything for themselves.” She said as she panted with the rising passion. Rayce made a violent move and slammed into her, causing her to cry out when his balls slapped against her clit. “Be nice.” He leaned over and growled in her ear. It was the first time she had heard that tone in his voice and she flinched slightly. His hands firmed at her waist holding her immobile for his thrusts. “You may be the female and our heart, but you keep forgetting that we have the same amount of experience in this world as you do.” He thrust forward again, bending over her back so that his chest touched her skin. Purring into her ear he growled, “You will show us some respect!” He bit down on her shoulder, causing her to arch her back and shriek, her muscles clenching down painfully on his cock as she shuddered, coming in one endless orgasm. When he finally released her, she fell forward, sliding into a deep sleep. Rayce smiled down at her and met Hawk’s eyes. “It seems I made my point.” “You were too rough with her.” Hawk looked up, his eyes somber as he stroked her hair. Already the small bite was healing, amazing him even further. “You said it earlier. She is acting on instinct. Most females are protective of their mate, to the point of maddening us. But it’s deeply inbred into their psyche. You can’t change hundreds of years of instinct and you can’t expect to change her. Would you really want Mishka to change and be any different? Push her and I can guarantee you she will fight us every step of the way.” 145

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Rayce thought about what he said as he stood and helped Hawk rearrange the now sleeping woman so she was under the sheet, cuddled up to his side. Slipping into the bed on the other side, he looked at her. He would have to talk to his mother when they arrived. Perhaps there was some truth to what Hawk said. The man always seemed to know how she would react better than he did. He never understood the female of the species, and tried to steer clear of them when ever possible. That was until Mishka came along. “I will think on what you said.” He rearranged the blankets over them and ordered the lights to dim. One thing was certain; Mishka would take a lot more time to settle in than he had thought. She was like nothing he ever knew, constant contradictions. Looking at her as she slept, she was like an enigma.

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Chapter Seventeen

Hawk had ordered the transports and everything was loaded by the next morning. Mishka had been subdued during the preparations but kept her mouth shut to the obvious. Rayce helped him into the transport and took the controls. Mishka sat far away, glaring at them from her corner in the back. She had been silent since she woke up and saw them packing their things. When she had remained where she was, refusing to pack anything of hers, Rayce merely arched a brow at her childishness and packed for her. It had been Hawk who had secured a healer to travel with them and had cleared it with Archem to take the trip. They would only be gone two weeks at the most he promised. Rayce bullied her into the transport where she remained, her hands clenched in her lap, her nails biting into her hands. It was plain to see that she was livid with them, and refused to utter a sound to either one of them. “Mishka, my heart, would you like something to eat?” Hawk asked softly, his tone calming. She refused to even look at him. The silence was deafening as he met Rayce’s eyes in male understanding. “Mishka, stop being stubborn.” Sighing, he looked back at her. He moved just in time because she lobbed something at him and would have hit him square in the head if he hadn’t. He groaned in frustration. “Damnit, what do you want!” growling at her, anger tightening his mouth. His answer was a snarl that had her eyes flashing at him and her fangs dropping. When he clenched his fist, he pounded on the seat, putting a dent in the frame. Her eyes froze on that dent and she swallowed, her eyes tearing as she quickly turned away from him. She huddled in the back of the transport, deep in the shadows turned away from them. Her head bowed as she let her hair fall forward to hide her face. She wasn’t proud of what she did, she knew she was being childish but they were shutting her out; making decisions without even speaking to her first. They were pushing her away and it hurt her more than anything she thought could. Her heart was breaking and there was nothing she could do about it. Hawk watched her as she turned from them, hiding in the dim interior of the transport. She refused to even speak to them by way of mind speak. She had effectively shut them out and he didn’t know why. Thinking back, he was confounded by her 147

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attitude. Rayce watched her from the front of the transport. Her whole attitude had changed when they announced they were leaving that morning. That was when she had frozen them out. She had turned to ice in front of their eyes. He didn’t understand what they’d done that was so wrong in her eyes. By that evening she continued ignoring them. The minute they stopped for the night and pitched the tents she had left them to head into the woods. They heard her howl as she shifted form and raced through the jungle. They had found her clothing, folded neatly on the edge of the clearing, but she was nowhere to be found. Long into the night they sat by the fire, staring at the darkening trees waiting for her to appear. When it became clear she wasn’t about to return that night, they quietly slipped into their sleeping bags and went into trouble sleep. Their dreams were filled with visions of her. Mishka sprinted through the jungle, her eyes seeing everything as if it were broad daylight. She ran through the jungle until she reached a large pool. Stopping, she carefully dipped her head and drank her fill. All the while, both men saw everything through her eyes in their dreams. When she tracked a small beast for her meal they saw the way she leapt high into the trees and stalked her prey. It was almost enough to wake both men from their sleep, but their dreams slowly changed, and each one was dreaming their own dreams once more. **** She woke them up unceremoniously by dumping one of her kills before them for their morning meal. Already dressed for the day, she still refused to utter a word to them as she cooked her portion of the kill and ate the meat, her teeth tearing into the delicate meat cooked to perfection. Hawk threw back the sleeping bag and stood. It was a shock to see his tail, apparently it had grown in over night and now he was getting used to a new appendage. White fur with black spots running down the tail to the very end, “Well at least it matches.” Rayce laughed as he saw it for the first time. Mishka saw the tail but made no mention of it. Secretly, she was thrilled that they both had similar patterns to hers. She turned away so they wouldn’t see her small smile. By the time she turned around again to pull on her boots, she refined her blank mask of indifference. As the day wore on, tempers rose high. Rayce and Hawk watched her with a brooding look that had little impact on her. They finally reached the village late that afternoon. Everyone that was outside 148

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enjoying the day stopped and stared as the transport pulled up in front of Rayce’s childhood home. Kala, his mother stepped out onto the porch and looked at the transport for a moment before calling her mates out. As Rayce stepped out of the big metal contraption, cries of joy were erupting from everyone. “Rayce, you scamp!” Kala rushed forward as well as she could, given her advanced age. “It’s about time you came home to visit!” Throwing her arms around him, he found that she still had the strength of a bull. “What’s this?” His father grinned seeing his tail. Reaching down he grabbed hold and held it out for inspection. Kala took one look and blanched. “What the hell have you gotten into?” They had heard rumors but nothing specific. Everyone began crowding around and Rayce gently pushed them back. Hawk stood at the entrance and watched the proceedings with a smile. “Rayce?” He called out, needing assistance to get down. He didn’t want to raise an alarm, but his muscles cried out for rest despite sitting in the transport most of the day. Mishka snorted from the back but held her tongue. He was going to do what he wanted to anyway. All eyes turned to him as Rayce moved to assist his friend and part of their mating down from the transport. “Lord Commander.” Kala bowed. “Welcome to my home.” Seeing his tail, she kept her own council until they could get inside, away from onlookers. Finally Mishka stomped from the transport and glared silently at them. She walked past the two and gently embraced Kala. “Good day, Kala. I have brought your son for a visit.” Her voice carried a short distance so everyone could hear. It was clear the minute she saw Mishka. A smile bloomed across her face and she hugged the woman even harder. “You finally broke down, eh? Welcome mate of my son!” Cries of joy erupted through out the family. Even Mishka broke down long enough to give her a smile of thanks. “We would have waited for a few days, but Hawk insisted on doing everything himself. I had no say.” “What’s this?!” Kala turned rabid in an instant. She rounded on Rayce, straightening to her full height, towering over her mates. “You didn’t consult your female?” It was clear he was in trouble and it showed. Rayce firmed his lips but couldn’t look his mother in the eye. “Get your family inside this instant.” Kala growled. Quickly everyone moved out of the way as they were hustled into the house and seated. Hawk sighed as he eased down into the chair, careful to move his tail out from underneath him. The new appendage was still sore and he 149

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didn’t want to cause more harm. Kala stood over Rayce as the others looked on. “I thought I brought you up better but apparently you have no consideration for your female. I wouldn’t be surprised if Mishka hadn’t tried to take your head off. Not consulting your mate?!” she threw up her hands as she groaned. “I am sorry, Mishka. When he entered your unit I asked that you look after him, I had no idea that he was such an idiot. You should have beaten him regularly.” Mishka crossed her arms and sat back, a smug expression on her face, “I told him we should wait. I told them both. But apparently I am not worthy of consulting in this instance.” Her voice cool and controlled, as she glared at her mates. “Damnit—” Rayce leaned forward but Kala pushed him back and planted a hand firmly in his chest. “You were wrong!” she yelled, looking at both of them. “The female should have been consulted and her words taken into consideration. No one should have been traveling until she was sure of your health. It is her responsibility as mated female to see to your well-being, as well as put food on the table. It has always been this way. Hundreds of years of tradition and you ignore my teachings. I am ashamed to call you my son!” She surprised him when her eyes filmed over and she rushed to her own mates. Jakron, his father stepped forward. “Son, believe me, we know how hard it is for you both,” He eased his mate down next to Mishka on the seat before turning back to Rayce and Hawk, “Two males and one female. Sure we are stronger, more able to defend. But the female has always had the cunning for the hunt, the brains for the raising of children and keeping of the home. The males make sure that the family unit is safe from harm, but the female tends to the well-being of the family unit and should be consulted in all things. What you did by ignoring Mishka’s wants in this instance was wrong. Hawk you look tired and worn. I imagine you will explain what has been happening and why you are--ummm--changed. But for now, I think food is in order and some rest.” “You are right, Jakron.” Kala spoke up. She grabbed Mishka’s hand, “Come. Jakron and Darin will settle Rayce and Hawk, you will come with me.” Within minutes, despite a flurry of protests and grumbling, the men had all gone upstairs while Kala took Mishka outside. “I apologize for my son’s behavior. We will put the word out to the rest of the family and we will have a feast tonight. What say, we go on a little hunt?” her grin was infectious and they started planning a hunt. Kala called her two daughters Kareese and Darene to assist. With many people coming for the feast there would need to be plenty of food. 150

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On the edge of the jungle Mishka turned back and saw that the men were unloading the transport and pretty much ignoring the females. Slowly she turned back and saw the other three watching her. Silently, she stepped beside a large bush and began to unbutton her shirt. “What are you doing?” Kala asked, intrigued by the look in her daughter mates eyes. “Watch.” Mishka said softly as she felt the change start. This time she knew what to expect and the change went quickly. “Incredible.” Darene breathed in awe seeing the cat before them. “From the legends texts, mother can you believe it?” Before them she sat in her cat form. Her tail moving slowly and rhythmically as she waited for them to adjust to her change, “Many things will be spoken of tonight. For now just accept what you see.” She projected her thoughts to Kala and the other two. “Explanations can wait, I agree,” Kala growled, excitement taking hold. “For now lets hunt!” They entered the jungle and let their senses fly. Mishka picked up a scent immediately and she was off. The others followed her as she raced through the undergrowth. Kala was amazed by the speed and agility Mishka had in her cat form. Stopping just downwind of their prey she slowly circled around, hoping to push the beast towards the others. Unfortunately it didn’t work that way. Just as it caught her scent the fight ensued. Kala and the others stepped in to the clearing to see Mishka land on the beasts back. Bucking and roaring, it did everything to knock her off. Sharp claws raked down its back as the beast tried to jar her loose. Mishka dug in her own claws and the beast screamed as the blood flowed. Growling low she struck and sank her fangs into flesh. “Now. I have its attention, finish him.” She projected to the others. They all leapt at the beast from all sides, overwhelming him. It took minutes to bring down their prize but it was worth it. At over ten feet long, and full of muscle, the beast would be more than enough to feed everyone. “Mishka, that was exciting!” Darene bounced up and down in her excitement. She herself had just gone through her first hunt alone, becoming a woman in the eyes of the village but nothing compared to a group hunt. Everyone brought their best qualities to the hunt and no one was left out of the action. Mishka saw where Rayce got his coloring from. All the females sported the same long tawny coloring in their hair and the same green eyes. For a moment she yearned for 151

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Rayce to come out and hold her. Strengthening her resolve, she climbed off the beast and let the others dress the kill. **** Tarik woke when the computer toned; informing him that he was approaching Cormidion space. Slowly he oriented himself, shaking off the drugs effects as he made note of his location and tried to think. Minutes ticked by as he tried to plan his next move. First he needed to find out where they were. He couldn’t just land at the space port and ask the officials. He needed to monitor their communications. For the next few hours he gathered information and found to his horror that four security personnel were being treated for the same kind of poison. Had it gotten out? What had his sister planned? Learning that they had been bitten by the commander only relaxed him partly. What in the hell had they thought, playing god. It took longer to find out where they were headed. Slowly he selected a landing spot close enough to the village where they were reported to be, but far enough away so that the sensors wouldn’t pick up on his landing. Thankfully the voice in his head was silent, still affected by the drug no doubt. Keying in the sequence he sat back and allowed the ship to start the initial stages of landing. Hopefully he would be able to complete his mission quickly and disappear without further mishap. He was tired of cleaning up this mess. Maybe it was time to vanish and retire. **** Mishka and the others returned to the village dragging the cleaned beast behind them. She was full from her snacking on the smaller pieces they cut off and slowly ambled behind them, her gate smooth and sinuous. Gasps filled the air as they entered. Many others were outside this time and saw her in her cat form. Unconcerned, she prowled around her extended family watching the others. Children raced towards her, seeing something new and exciting. Their young chatter filled with happy laughter. Sitting back she allowed them to pet her and feel her fur. Indulgently she played with them a few minutes while rolling on the ground with them. “Commander Sakar.” Hawk’s voice was filled with laughter as he watched her roll around the dirt with the children. “You look quite lovely in your fur.” He moved closer, gauging her mood. She allowed him to kneel next to her so they were eye to eye. “I am sorry, my heart.” He murmured to her, honesty in his gaze as he apologized to her. “You are right to be angry with us. It was not my intent to ignore your feelings.” 152

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Hanging her head she sighed, she found she couldn’t stay angry with him any more. Reaching up with her tongue she gave him a lick on the cheek, telling him she forgave him. “Don’t let it happen again, my heart.” She said to him. “I only promise to try harder in the future. I will not make promises I can’t keep, you know that.” He grinned, knowing he forgave them. “When do you think that we will change?” The thought of both her mates changing as she did caused a thrill to move through her. Moving quickly over to her clothes she stepped behind a bush to change and replace her clothing. Hawk held out a hand to her when she came back out. “Kala is getting the fire ready to roast. Maybe we have time for a walk?” Calling out to Rayce, they each took a hand and together walked through the village, acknowledging greetings from people she recognized, ignoring black looks from others. There had been so many changes in the last ten years she almost didn’t recognize the place. They had rerouted the waterway and a computerized treatment facility was in place. Darene raced up to them and kept them company, pointing out the changes made in the last few years. It was all nostalgic really. Mishka found all of her hiding places, pointing them out as they walked. “You know its surprising with Jorgan still in charge that so many changes have been made.” She made the comment innocently but Darene caught the meaning. Grinning over at her brother Darene replied, “Jorgan is about to get tossed out on his ear.” Shrugging she moved along. “Amora has been worse than ever since word came down from the Elder council. Seems money has come up missing out of the village treasury for the last several seasons. Amora will be lucky if she can get one mate to take her then. She’s been making noises of choosing someone from a village on the other side of the lake. I wouldn’t be surprised if they packed up and moved out by the end of the season.” “I don’t think they would openly talk about replacing Jorgan. How did you find out?” Mishka kept her voice low so passers couldn’t hear their conversation. “I have a spy in the Elder council.” Darene grinned cheekily. “Mother was promoted last year. She was the one who found the mistakes and started the investigation.” They all laughed over this bit of news as they continued on their walk. The afternoon sun beat down over their heads and soon Hawk began to tire. “We better head back. The cooking will be starting soon.” Mishka eyed him. Thankfully both men accepted graciously and they turned back. 153

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“Well, if it isn’t the freak and her mates.” A voice from the past drawled out. Turning, they saw Amora and her little clique standing before them. The other females all smirked at Mishka, blocking their way. “Amora. It’s good to see you’re in such good spirits.” Mishka greeted her cordially, determined not to start something. Being called a freak was the least of insults she had endured during her life in the village. The pretty blond stood there, glaring at all of them. “What are you doing back here, Mishka?” “We are visiting my mate family. Surely you recognize tradition? Oh I’m sorry, you don’t have any mates yet, do you?” her voice turned soft in warning. This could get ugly if Amora had her way about it. “I’m not ready to settle down with anyone just yet. Unlike some of us, I don’t have the ability to travel the stars.” Smirking at Mishka, she circled like a lion stalking its prey. “Rayce take Hawk over there.” She pointed to a large rock. Without comment they moved out of the way, only Darene standing beside her. “Are you able to fight? This could get ugly.” “I’ve wanted to take her down a peg or two for a long time. Let her do her worst.” Darene bared her teeth as she clenched her hands, ready for a fight. Several of the villagers had already stopped to watch the confrontation. Whispers and murmurs gathered more as Amora circled. “No biting Mishka!” Rayce called out, leaning negligently against the rock, his pose relaxed as he watched. There was no love lost between him and Amora. The bitch had always had it in for Mishka and now it was payback time. As Amora struck, Mishka brought up her arm and blocked, countering with a roundhouse punch sending the bitch to her backside. Standing over her, she glared down at the pissed blond. “Just stay out of my way, Amora. Keep it up and I will put you down.” Her words were calm and controlled, but anyone who saw her eyes knew she was about ready to blow. Turning her back on the bitch was the worst thing she could do. Darene screamed out a warning a split second before Amora’s fist connected to her cheek. Breathing through the pain she carefully controlled her anger. She felt her fangs descend, but that was it. Her claws remained blessedly retracted. By now all of Amora’s friends were laughing it up, enjoying the hit that the blond had gotten. Feeling full of herself, Amora lashed out with a vicious kick aimed at her back. At the last second, Mishka turned and the foot grazed her hip. Wincing at the pain 154

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that shot through her she spun around and her eyes lit up. Claws sprang from her hands and her camouflage filled out her skin. With a hiss, Mishka backhanded the woman and sent her spinning onto the ground. She was on her in a heartbeat. A fist to the jaw had Amora’s head snapping back. The curses flew as they traded punches and kicks. Amora was a good fighter, but years in the forces made Mishka even better. With her tail she had an added advantage and was able to block many of the kicks and punches and at the same time get a few in of her own. Once she had her pinned, her claws digging into Amora’s neck as she glared down at the woman, blood ran from a split in her lip which she was careful to lick away. She made sure she kept eye contact as she growled, “Stay away from me Amora, otherwise we will have a repeat and I have no problem knocking you down before the whole village. I know hundreds of ways to hurt you without killing you. Don’t make the mistake of thinking I wont do it.” “You always were a coward.” Amora gritted, her voice raw from yelling. “No, “Mishka said coldly, “A coward is someone who attacks when their prey’s back is turned. I make no mistake in that. If I wanted you out of the way I would come at you full out in your face. I would slice your pretty face so anyone looking at you would know you deserved it. I would break your arms and legs so you would be in constant pain for the time it took to heal. I would make sure you had a brand that showed everyone that you tried to fight me and,” she paused, looking up at Amora’s friends, “you lost.” Making it clear to everyone who watched she was deadly serious. Looking back down, she inched in closer, “But I would make sure you lived so that every day you would remember who beat you. I would have the pleasure of looking you in the eye and knowing you remembered each mark, each broken bone, each moment burned into your memory for the rest of your miserable life. I would think twice before you try anything again, Amora. Otherwise, I would hate to think of your pretty face mangled so that no male would ever look upon you again.” Mishka slowly released her strangle hold on Amora’s shirt and stepped off. Still on the ground, covered in dirt and blood staining her face from her nose, Amora glared at the retreating Mishka. Amora stood up cautiously and started for the now retreating Mishka. Darene seeing the intent in the woman’s eye stepped forward just as she passed. With her eye on Mishka she didn’t see the punch before she was sailing back again to the ground, landing with an audible ‘umpf’. Laying there dazed, Amora looked up at the petite Darene who now stood over her glaring. “Try it again and my whole family will declare a blood feud with you and yours, Amora. I don’t think your father would take that too lightly. Take care who you 155

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choose as targets in the future.” Everyone watched in silence as the four of them moved back towards the house. As far as Mishka was concerned she had made her point. Careful not to show any pain she walked carefully down the lane towards Kala’s home. Only Rayce and Hawk knew the signs by the way she favored her right side.

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Chapter Eighteen

Once inside, Mishka groaned as she lowered herself to the sofa. Her face relaxed and everyone could tell she was hurting. “I think she cracked a rib or two.” She hissed as she tried to raise her arm. Kala rushed in with bandages and tape. “Take your shirt off. Let me take a look.” Kala bullied and pressed until she took off the garment and revealed a large bruise blooming on her side. “You’re going to be sore for a few days. Let’s get you taped up and I will call the healer for a relaxant. Nothing to knock you out, just enough to relax you so you aren’t in any pain.” Already the whole house smelled of cooking meat and other fine foods. Mishka sniffed appreciatively. “I’m sorry to say I have no expertise in the kitchen Kala, but whatever you are cooking proves you are the best.” “Well, if your mother had survived longer than she did, then she would have taught you what you needed to know. I am ashamed of the way the village treated you when your parents died. Amora and Jorgan had a hand in it to be sure. The village wouldn’t have turned you away if they hadn’t said something to the council.” Kala was blunt as she taped up her side. “I know. Amora is up to her old tricks.” Mishka grimaced as she motioned to her side. “You can be proud of Darene. She is a fine fighter to be sure. She watched my back when Amora would have come after me again. Darene should take fighter training.” The girl’s eyes lit up when Mishka mentioned fighters training and it was then that she knew Darene wanted to be a fighter. “She has the breeding, and the skills that’s for sure. Make sure you get her in soon. Too much time passes by and no trainer worth her reputation will train her. She will be too old.” Kala eyed her daughter with an intensity that had Darene squirming. “Please, Mama? I want to train.” “We will talk of it later, Darene. I thank you for watching over Mishka out there. You did your house proud today.” “Amora and her friends were out to side swipe her. I couldn’t let my brother’s mate take a beating like that. Amora had it coming. Especially after last year.” She 157

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glared, her arms crossing in much the same manner as her mother. “What happened last year?” Rayce asked as he sat down beside Mishka and helped support her as Kala finished. “One of the villagers had an accident and one of the mates was killed. Basically she tried to get the elders to shun the whole family over the accident. We managed to stop it before a vote was taken, but just barely. The family has had a rough time of it lately. There are three small ones. Our family has offered any assistance we can, which was gratefully accepted. In the process we have made an enemy of Jorgan.” Kala bared the facts with a critical eye. Mishka saw red and she was grateful to have Rayce holding onto her as Kala finished, otherwise, she would have leapt up from the couch and tracked the bitch Amora down again to beat her even more. They had done the same thing to her, but they had succeeded where this time they had failed. “Is it true that Jorgan will be forced to step down as clan leader?” she growled. “Unfortunately yes,” Kala nodded casting a disgruntled glance at her daughters, “He has made a lot of enemies within the village as well as neighboring villages as well. That added to the fact that he has been siphoning off funds set aside for the improvement of the village over the last few years just so he could set up a dowry for Amora. He’s been trying to get her married off for over five years, but no one will take the bitch.” “Well, once he is no longer clan leader, no one will want her with or without the dowry.” Rayce drawled. “I noticed several of the village’s mechanics have been neglected. Have you appealed to the high council?” “That’s why you saw him at the capitol when you arrived. He was in meetings with the high council for over a week. Word came to us on his way back. A new Clan Leader will be announced any day now. We’re just waiting on the official word. If I’m correct then Malcom will be named as new Clan Leader and we can all relax a bit. Malcom is a well trusted member of the clan and has many good ideas on ways to improve our village as well as improve housing. He will look out for our interests and our future within the clans.” “I remember Malcom,” Mishka sighed when Kala was finished with her. “He was a good hunter when we were younger. Very strong and honorable,” She nodded in agreement, “I think he is a good choice, but then again, I don’t recognize many of the new faces here.” “Well you will have time for that soon enough.” Kala put away her supplies, “You will be expected to set up a house here, even if you only stop by every few years. With two of you of high ranking in the Forces, my son a Captain, I imagine you will all 158

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be traveling a great deal, dealing with the Imperial factions.” “We’re not even sure we will have our rank when all is said and done.” Hawk eased himself on the other side of Mishka. It took only minutes to explain the situation but everyone understood the ramifications if the Emperor decided not to allow infected members into the Forces. “If he decrees it, all three of us will be dismissed from our posts and new personnel brought in. Thankfully, we have all been frugal with our money and practically everything has been invested. I have a large amount of funds available at a moments notice.” “Well, there I can see both good and bad points to your situation. Good because I saw Mishka here in action today. A force of shifters like her would be able to wipe out many enemies without a sword or gun. However, in the heat of battle, any one of you could accidentally bite one of your own men. I’ve seen the reports on the security men you infected earlier. They have been resting comfortably, but they have all gone through the conversion and to the amusement of several, have grown tails as well. The healers predict that they will eventually come full term of the mutation as well and will be able to shift.” Kala looked at her son and smiled, seeing his tail wrapped around Mishka’s. She liked seeing the bond between her son and the other two. It was plain that they cared for each other, but the way would be rocky given their personalities. Hours later the whole clan filled the house to the rafters, children were chattering around the smaller table set up as the adults stood around, or sat on any available chair. Mishka found herself enjoying herself for the first time in a long while. Everyone was full of food, and the drinks were flowing free. Just as everyone was settling down she felt a vibration at her hip. Carefully, she pulled out her personal pc and keyed the sequence to activate it. Reading the information her eyes chilled as she arched an eyebrow. “Hello?” “What is it?” Hawk leaned over to read the screen. “Remember the tracker we had on the ship coming here?” Seeing their nods she continued, “I had the computer on the ship monitor the signal. I keyed an alert so that if the owner of that tracker came within five hundred miles of the ship, I would know about it. Guess who decided to pay us a visit?” “Our man in the stealth suit?” Rayce leaned forward staring intently. “Any way to identify the signal carrier from this distance?” “No,” she adjusted the signal, “I can pinpoint his location to within ten miles of our current location. Looks like whoever it is, he’s headed this way. I give him about another day before he locates us.” “More than enough time to make sure he feels welcome.” Mishka growled, 159

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making it plain she had an idea. **** Tarik stumbled from the ship and looked around. “Another jungle.” Sighing, he selected his equipment and made sure his stealth suit would stand up to the humid conditions on the planet. You better get it right this time, Tarik. I will not be cast out into the darkness because you can’t get a simple order right. The voice in his head was getting louder. This was the first time that it called him by name. A suspicion surfaced that he wasn’t hearing voices in his own mind, a mark of going insane, but maybe something else entirely. Finally getting the hints are you? The voice snickered as if he had an inside joke, only Tarik wasn’t getting it. It really didn’t matter at any rate, he thought, as he made sure his stealth suit was calibrated. Soon this job would be over and he could retire to some small, out of the way place where no one had ever heard of him or his work for the Empire. Being an assassin was hard work, the burnout rate was very high for men such as him who had been working for over eight years. It was also a lonely existence. To be a shadow, unseen and unrecognizable. He had been to more planets than anyone else. Nameless contacts blurred in his mind, thinking back to all the years he had served. From the start this mission had been the worst. To betray the Lord Commander, shaking his head at the bitterness that filled his throat, it seemed like the greatest sin he had ever committed. Hawk Grayson had been much like himself. They had both clawed their way to the top of their fields. No one gave them anything that they didn’t earn. Now he was on his way to make sure he disposed of the man he had come to admire. Securing the ship, he made sure that no one would spot it from the air if in fact they did have a patrol out in this area. More than likely there would only be foot patrols and even then, they would take a marked route. When he was sure everything was hidden and secure he started making his way to the coordinates marked in his personal pc. Already the heat was getting to him. Sweat poured down his temples to wet his hair as he quickly made his way to the shaded cover of the trees. This job couldn’t get over with fast enough. Grimly he moved on, determined to finish this and make his plans to disappear. **** Angelia read the report, memorizing each detail before tossing it into the fire so there would be no tracing it back to her or her associates. Tarik had finally landed on 160

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Cormidion and was on his way to complete his job. “He better get it right this time.” Glaring into the flames, she watched the fire eat up the report. Unknown to him, Tarik housed a host in his body. She had made sure he was never told. The symbiot was there to make sure he succeeded in is mission. If he didn’t, the symbiot would make sure he never made it back alive. Chuckling at her burst of ingenuity and good luck when they had located the hive on that back water planet, only a few of the symbiots remained and they had made a bargain. In exchange for a host body, they would share information and fight with them for their cause. The symbiot living in Tarik made sure that reports were sent regularly, often while Tarik himself slept. The symbiot would take over and make sure that the information was moved and plans discussed. It was almost like talking behind his back, even when he was in the room. Chuckling, Angelia slammed the door to the fireplace closed and wiped her hands on the bit of toweling she stole from the consorts room. Even that bitch Elaine knew nothing about the symbiots. Angelia made sure that no one informed her of that fact. Several key members of the ruling class had been brought in and given the symbiot without their knowledge. Secrecy was the key to their operation. Only very few knew who had been implanted and only a deep scan would show their existence. Even if captured, Tarik would be unable to control the symbiot long enough before it killed him. She was sure of that none of their plans could be found out in that event. Rubbing her hands to warm them she stepped out of her room, looking down the hall to make sure no one watched and then casually walked back towards the main area. Smiling, positive that everything would work out, she started to hum a merry tune, nodding to several of the serving girls as they passed her in the hall. **** Mishka sat outside perched in a tree as she watched the lighted screen of her personal pc. The signal she augmented to show where her quarry was located was coming in loud and clear. He was still miles away and wouldn’t be here for another day at least. Still, she took no chances. The voices of her now extended family were still boisterous and filtered out the windows and doors that were flung open to the cool morning air. She had seen a few children nodding off from all the food and excitement. Their small forms boneless against their parents as the adults continued to talk and laugh. The noise wasn’t something she was used to but she was trying. It was still early for those young ones to be up but the excitement carried over from the adults and the children had demanded to get up early, now after the morning 161

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meal, they were all taking naps where they sat or laid. Their parents kept watch over them even as they chatted and laughed over the breakfast table. A grip of sadness had her lowering her head. “Mother should be her for this,” Mishka thought, gritting her eyes closed against the pain. Kala and her mother should have been discussing grandchildren to come, and helping with other womanly things. As it was there was a gaping hole in her life where her own family once stood. She didn’t think that it would ever go away or stop hurting for a long time, if ever. “Mishka?” Hawk’s voice filtered through the early morning air. Looking down from her perch in the tree she saw him standing on the path, just feet from the house. With a quiet whistle tone she sent him a clear signal where she hid. She watched him as his head came up and zeroed in on her location. God he was magnificent, she thought, as he moved easier down the path. “What are you doing up there?” he said softly. “Too much noise for me in the morning.” Holding out her hand in invitation, she waited for him to climb up beside her, “Our invisible friend is still a day away. He’s moving too slow to have a transport, even a cyclebike, so I believe he’s on foot. That will make it harder for him, too many obstacles he will have to move around.” Hawk sat behind her, leaning back against the tree as he pulled her toward him until she rested against his chest. Her hair was braided in a half hazard rope but her eyes were clear and cold as she watched the blip on the screen. Playing with the rope of hair he pondered, “Several of the warriors are willing to set delay traps for our man. I say we use it and call for reinforcements. Who knows what he has planned. I don’t like the thought of this village being targeted for a strike. I have a feeling that this man would call out everything in his arsenal and level this place just to get to us.” “Then let’s take the party to him. Take some warriors from the village and turn the hunter into the hunted.” Her eyes lit up at the prospect. “Once we move, he will know we’ve tagged him and we will lose the element of surprise.” He pointed out as he continued to play with her hair at the nape of her neck, rubbing his thumb against her skin. She shook her head, “Not really. I’ve thought about it. There’s a lake that’s a favorite of the children about a mile from here. Plenty of cover and a cave for the younger ones once the fighting starts. I say we plan a little camping trip.” She looked at him over her shoulder, smiling when she saw the plan form in his mind. “You have something there. Let’s go see what Kala and the others think of it. I don’t want to put the younglings in the path of this man if she won’t agree it’s a viable plan.” He made move to sit up but she held him back. 162

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“Stay with me a few moments.” Her voice was soft as she relaxed once more. “I like it out here.” Hawk sensed something about her, thoughts were running through her mind that disturbed her. “What is it, my heart?” he wrapped his arms around her and rested his chin on the top of her head. Her sigh was filled with sadness. “Just wishing mother was here. I can’t help to think of what I will miss because she isn’t here to guide me. Mistakes that are going to happen because I had no one to show me the way,” she stroked her cheek against the skin under his shirt. “What happens when the babies come? We haven’t been using protection you know. Do you want children?” She asked when she felt him still. She looked at him without sitting up, “We need to discuss this.” “I would thank the Goddess for any babies that she saw fit to grant us.” His timber changed, deepening. She felt the rise of his cock against her thigh, through his breeches. Smiling, she knew what he thought of the idea. “A boy with your eyes,” she said dreamily, “I never thought I would get the chance. I thought I would spend my life in the forces, retiring when I got too old to fight anymore. Watching others have children, grow old with their mates. So I forced it out of my mind. It’s as if I have been given a second chance, and I don’t want to blow this.” “We could just as easily have a girl. With your hair and Rayce’s eyes. The Goddess will give us what she will. Be thankful that we have the chance. I won’t let you go.” His voice turned harsh as he pulled her closer, tighter into his arms. He buried his face in her hair and groaned. The thought of her round with their child. Whatever child they had would be Mishka’s, his and Rayce’s. “You didn’t eat much at breakfast.” He changed the subject. “Wasn’t hungry. My stomach isn’t feeling that great this morning,” Frowning as she thought about it. More than once the smell of food had put her stomach into a tail spin and she had to grit her teeth or embarrass herself in front of Kala. “How long has this been going on?” He growled in her ear. “Two weeks at the least. Started when we left that rock. I thought it was just the change in diet. But it’s been slowly getting worse the past few days.” Frowning she stared off at nothing. She missed seeing the dawning on his face. “Come let’s go talk to Kala about your idea.” He sat up suddenly, her tail wrapping around the tree to keep her from falling. She stared at him with sudden suspicion as he jumped down. Smiling, he was close to laughing out loud at her expression. “Come on!” He called out. Bemused by his change, Mishka slowly followed him towards the house. Inside 163

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she saw Hawk bending over Rayce who sat by his mother. Both sets of eyes swung to her. She really didn’t like the amusement in their eyes. Cautiously, she moved around the room and sat next to Kala. “Grandmother?” Rayce called out to the old crone sitting by the fire. “Do a reading on Mishka, would you please?” The woman straightened slightly in her chair, and her rheumy eyes looked at Mishka critically. Instinctively, she shrank back in the seat to avoid the woman’s stare. When she started cackling and slapping her knee, Mishka glared at the woman. “What!?” she growled. “You’re right, my boy.” The crone cackled with joy. Kala looked at her mother then at Rayce then at Mishka. Realization dawned on her and with a cry she smothered Mishka in a bone-crushing hug. “What the hell is going on Rayce? Hawk?” She sputtered as she endured Kala’s hugging. “Yep, the girl is pregnant. Twins by what I see.” The crone continued to cackle as the rest of the room erupted. “Congratulations Mishka!” Darene yelled as she embraced her brother and Hawk. “And twins! I can’t wait!” It took her close to an hour of explanations and a test from the healer to confirm what the old crone had said after only one glance. Mishka was pregnant and carrying twins. For the first time in her life she had fainted in front of everyone. The shock bowled her over into a dead faint.

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Chapter Nineteen

Mishka came to, stretched out on the couch. Most of the others had left already and the house was quieter. A few of the adults remained, mostly the warriors of the village. Laying there for a few minutes, she listened to the quiet litany of their voices blending together as they planned. Babies! The thought had her curling her arm around her stomach protectively. Whoever was after them would never see the light of day when she got through with them. Her eyes narrowed as she thought about her children and what she would do to protect them. Unaware she was growling, she looked up and saw both Rayce and Hawk kneeling before her. “How do you feel?” Rayce asked quietly, smoothing back her hair. “I will kill him if he gets near me.” She growled, her fangs descending. “I will rip him apart.” A sudden protective instinct overshadowed everything else. She would protect her children no matter what. Then another thought occurred to her. “Hawk.” Her voice thin and reedy, “what will happen because of the poison? Are they safe? Get the healer from the city.” In her urgency, she didn’t think and gripped his arm, her claws descending, digging into his flesh. “What will happen to them?” “Shh.” He pulled her into his arms and turned, sitting down and pulling her into his lap. “They will be all right. We will get the best healers in the Empire to see to the safety of our children. We--Rayce and I are their fathers--nothing will happen to them.” His eyes met Rayce’s conveying his worry. He had thought about the very same thing. What would happen to their children? Already his protective instincts had kicked into overdrive. The need to protect their mate foremost in his mind, overshadowing every other thought. “You need to rest, Mishka.” Rayce pulled her up and placed her back on the couch. Pulling a blanket over her, he kissed her softly on the lips still crouched in front of her. “Rest for now. We will plan. Mother has laid out a light snack for you, if you’re hungry. Everything is light and easy on the stomach.” “I want my family safe, Rayce. Anything we have to do to make sure this man is stopped.” She left the statement to hang in the silence. Kala and the others were still at the table, but remained silent. 165

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“We will, my heart.” He vowed, his voice hushed as she gripped her hand. “Rest for now and be ready.” They moved away but she kept her eyes trained on them as they bent over the table and spoke in hushed whispers. She watched the way they moved and decided that they moved with more grace than before, more relaxed and erotic at the same time. Slowly, Mishka’s eyes began to feel heavy and soon she was fighting to keep them open. She saw Hawk look over and smile gently at her when he noticed that she was fighting to stay awake. Mishka yawned widely, her voice sighing out as she closed her mouth. With a wiggle she sank deeper into the couch, pulling the blanket up under her chin. He thought it an endearing gesture. She finally allowed her eyes to close, giving up the fight. Her dreams were filled with memories of when she was a child and her mother would tuck her in at night. She would smile down at the younger version of Mishka and kiss her forehead murmuring an old prayer. Even now she was unable to remember where the prayer had come from but desperately wanted to remember the words for some reason. I want to say that prayer to my own children one day. She whispered in her dream. The figure of her mother, thrown in shadow as she stood over her bed whispered to her “You will remember when the time is right. Never forget where you came from. I am proud of you my dear little one. Never forget me or your father. Never forget that we loved you.” Her voice faded away as did the dream from her mind. In its place came another vision, one of her the day she signed up for the Forces. Strong for her age and with so much anger in her, she had sworn that day she would make something of herself. “I will succeed.” The younger woman hissed to herself as she marched down the corridor of her first ship. A lowly cadet she had been the first to volunteer for any assignment, and additional training in weapons or fighting skills. Many had resented her at first until she began teaching the others as well in her off time. By then the other instructors saw the positive influence she had on other cadets. Her trainees were the best fighters on each mission, gaining their objectives faster than any other squad. The men and women looked up to her and very few ever gave her attitude. Smiling in her sleep she remembered those days with fondness. It was during those days that she had first met Lord Hawk Grayson, one of the only men who could start her heart pounding in her chest by just looking at her. She remembered the first words he ever spoke to her. Sitting in the briefing room she had noticed him with her commander at the time. “Lord Commander,” Her commander had beamed proudly at her, “Meet Lieutenant Mishka Sakar, one of the best fighters I have ever had the pleasure of working 166

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with.” He had looked down at her with such complete faith that she had blushed for the first time in her life. “I expect great things from such a lovely warrior then.” After that he had continued to show up from time to time, each for a different reason but somehow managing a word or a few minutes alone with her. Again the dream shifted and she saw the day that Rayce had come into her life. He had stood so proud, and looking so young as a recruit. Reports that she had received on her new recruits were promising. It had been as if they had skimmed the cream of the crop from each section to be pulled together into one unit just for her. Each one an expert in weapons and hand to hand combat, each person excelling in their chosen field, they all stood at attention when she stepped forward. “I am Commander Mishka Sakar.” Her voice carried over the landing bay. “You will address me as Commander or Sakar. I expect you to give me your best every minute of every day. If I find out you are slacking, I will boot your ass out into space. Is that understood?” Everyone had responded with a resounding “Yes, Commander.” “Good. We have a drop in fifteen. Gather your gear.” She had turned away to speak to her second at the time when Rayce had stepped forward. “What is it, Oijen?” she said without looking up from what she was reading. “Commander, several of the men haven’t had time to eat, request permission to run to the mess and bring back some MRE’s?” He stood so straight, his uniform perfectly pressed and his hair pulled back as per regulation. She slowly straightened and looked him up and down before looking him dead in the eye. He didn’t even flinch or look away, giving him points in her book. “Good thinking, Oijen. Take two others and get back here on the double.” Turning away she didn’t wait to see if he responded to her orders. The dream shifted once more and she saw her mother again. She didn’t say anything to her, but the smile on her face was one of pride and love. Whimpering in her sleep she buried her head deeper in the blanket. “Continue the line...” The voice seemed to echo in her dream, soft and melodious just like her mother. Comfort enclosed her and she slipped deeper into sleep, where dreams were warm and comforting keeping her in its embrace for awhile longer. **** Hawk and Rayce relaxed with a glass of ale while they divided their time between watching Mishka sleep on the couch and watching the fire, comfortable with just the sounds of the crackling logs to keep them company. There was no need for words 167

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between them because of their bond. Thoughts flowed between the three of them even in sleep. They had completed their planning for tomorrow and they had checked the location from the beacon of the assassin. The signal was still strong and headed right towards their village. It was agreed that Kala and several of the other warriors would take a few of the older children to the lake in the morning, and the three of them would follow. Mishka would be secure in the cave just above, while Rayce and Hawk drew the man out into the open, hopefully dismantling the stealth suit enabling them to locate him. There were warriors already out along the perimeter of the lake setting sensors and traps to guide their assassin to where they wanted him to go. His stealth suit would do him no good here with the humidity and the vines all around them. It would take them little effort to trap him. Their aim was to capture and question, not kill unless they had no other choice. A healer was arriving first thing in the morning to stay with Mishka and monitor her progress. In the meantime they had decided as a group that Mishka would stay out of the line of fire where there would be less stress on her. In this instance, Kala was forceful in making sure Mishka stayed in the cave. There was no way she would allow her grandchildren to be harmed in any way. Mishka woke up to the sound of the crackling fire. The lights in the room were dimmed and the windows were lit with the light from the moon. Stretching, she worked the kinks out of her body wile she allowed her mind to wake up. Looking up she saw Hawk and Rayce sitting by the fire, relaxed and quiet. “You done?” murmuring as she sat up, she pushed the blanket away from her legs as she moved. “About an hour ago,” Rayce nodded after taking a drink from his glass. “Some of the warriors headed out to lay some sensors and traps for our friend. Shouldn’t be too hard to find him even with the stealth suit,” shrugging he straightened wile looking at her. Hawk stood too and walked over to her. “Ready for bed?” he purred, his voice smooth and deeper than she’d ever heard before. She noticed a particular glint in his eyes that had her tingling. He had the power to just look at her and she became wet for him. Reaching down he reached under her arms and pulled her up. “You need your rest.” It was clear by the tone of his voice, and the wicked smile on his face that rest didn’t even enter into the equation. The feeling of the ridge of hard flesh between his thighs told her he wanted a lot more. Looking over at Rayce where he stood leaning against the wall by the fireplace 168

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she saw banked passion in his gaze. He didn’t make a move toward her, but she could tell he what he wanted just by that look. Mishka was overwhelmed with the urge to mate with her men. Looking back at Hawk, she slid her palms up his chest to his hair where she threaded her fingers in those peppery locks. Tilting her head up, she offered her lips to him. She watched as if in slow motion his head descended and his lips touched hers. With their bond wide open she could feel the heat from both men, feeding her own arousal even more until she was panting into Hawk’s open mouth just seconds before he sealed his lips to hers. A heavy groan escaped her as his tongue played with hers. She felt his arms band around her crushing her breasts against his chest as his tongue tangled with hers. Unaware of even moving she was surprised when Hawk released her and pushed her down onto the bed. Somehow he had moved them from the sitting area down the stairs to their room above. His smile was almost feral as he shed his clothing. Rayce fell onto the bed, making her jump once again in surprise. They were moving so quietly she didn’t realize. Rayce’s hand opened, splayed against where their babies were growing. He was looking down at where his hand laid so she couldn’t tell what he was thinking. “This is where our children grow.” His voice a guttural sound as he choked out the words, “do you know what this means to us?” He jerked his face up to hers and speared her with his gaze. Deep green orbs burned hotly in the dark. She realized that all of their eyes glowed brightly, creating a myriad of colors to filter through the darkness. Green, blue and amber cast blending shadows around them. She found that she didn’t need a light to see them. Realizing that she hadn’t seen him move again, Rayce ripped open her shirt causing her to jerk in surprise. Her breasts spilled free of the confining material and her nipples rubbed harshly against the cloth. Drawing in a breath, she held it as his mouth descended taking one of those hard nipples into his mouth. The feeling of his tongue against her skin was almost her undoing. Keening low in her throat she arched into his mouth as he devoured her. Even in the mindless heat of what Rayce was doing to her, she jumped frantically when she felt Hawk’s hands on her, spreading her legs and opening him wholly to his gaze. Looking down she saw him just looking at her. The response was immediate as wetness gushed out of her and coated her skin. Hawk licked his lips as he inhaled the scent of her cream filling the air. Her glowing eyes watched him even as Rayce suckled on her breast as their children would in just eight more months. The thought made a wave of fierce pride and love shudder 169

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through him as he lowered his head to lap at her skin. The creamy flavor burst on his tongue as he sipped and licked and slurped his way around. The heat built up slowly as they worked around her body. Her cries continued to rise as she arched and writhed in their embrace. She felt the rock hard evidence of Rayce’s desire for her against her thigh as he tangled his tongue with hers. Moaning into his mouth, she reached down and gently cradled his cock in her hand. His hands clenched in her hair as she pumped his cock in her hand, her fingers barely fitting around that hard flesh. His groan was muffled in her mouth and his cock tightened even further. It reminded her of steel encased in silk. Smooth and hard, with clear liquid seeping out of the small hole on the head. Her mouth watered, aching to taste that flesh. As if reading her mind Rayce released her mouth and climbed on top of her, his thighs bracketing her head holding her still as his cock bobbed above her. Wrapping her arms around his thighs she opened her mouth for that mouth watering treat. Rayce looked down at Mishka and thought there was never a more beautiful sight. Her face was flush with her passion, her mouth open waiting for him. Slowly and carefully he pushed forward into her mouth, his cock brushing the back of her throat as she licked and swallowed. Her moan of enjoyment had him pumping his hips a little faster so he could feel the suction of her mouth as she worked him. Her hands dug in for purchase on his thighs as she tried to devour him, even as Hawk worked her flesh below. Her muffled moans and squeals told him she was enjoying what they were doing. Careful not to hurt her, Hawk gently pushed inside of her, his cock hard and aching. It was like coming home for him, the way her walls hugged his cock, squeezing tightly around him. Arching his head back, he closed his eyes and savored the bond they had. Pleasure arced between them as their minds opened and meshed, becoming one. She could feel their rising passion which only built hers higher. She could feel each muscle contracting, drawing up for the explosion that would soon come. It was still a little out of reach but she felt it coming ever closer as she sucked on that hard flesh between her lips. She was ready when she felt Rayce’s balls draw up tight against her skin just seconds before he hunched over her, his hands going to the blankets under her thrusting his hips forward driving his cock deeper into her mouth as he groaned deep. His essence flowing into her mouth and down her throat as she swallowed greedily was the instant of pure heaven that added another spark to her own rising orgasm. Hawk felt the release of Rayce as his own plowed into him like a comet. Jerking slightly, he drove forward in increasing speed as both Mishka and he reached that 170

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pinnacle together. Their shouts and cries were forced out of them as they exploded, all three experiencing their release simultaneously. Their breathing was harsh as they lay spread out along the bed, slowly floating in that sea of passion as they came down. Mishka wrapped herself around Rayce and promptly fell asleep, her hair flowing around their bodies like a blanket. Hawk was spread out on his back, his arm draped over her waist as he too fell asleep. Rayce took a few moments longer, watching both of them in their sleep. Mishka had a new veil of innocence about her as she slept. Protectively, she sheltered her babies as they grew inside of her. She was going to be fierce in the coming months he knew, but that just added to her allure. Together he and Hawk would make sure that she remained protected and loved. Hopefully there would be many more children to come. The thought of many children running around them as they grew old together was enough to put a smile on Rayce’s face as he fell asleep thinking about their future. **** Tarik hissed as he tripped over yet another root from the trees that surrounded him. He had already had to recalibrate his suit three times as he moved through the vines and trees getting closer to his final destination. He had to rely on the computer to give him coordinates for where he was, and where Hawk was. Every time he thought he was getting closer, another wall of vines or trees blocked his path. He wanted to rest, but he knew that he could move easier through a cover of darkness than he could in broad daylight. With his stealth suit malfunctioning he had to stop every few miles just to recalibrate. The annoying throbbing at the base of his skull was getting worse as each mile past but still he kept on, his eyes watering from the pain. Wiping his eyes once more, he recalibrated and moved on; ignoring the sweat running down his face and the irritating rasping of the dark clothing he wore. His hair was tied under a close fitting hat that covered most of his blond locks and he covered most of his exposed skin with dark matte. He was essentially invisible except for the noise he made. Everything was mere precaution as he hoped the suit would remain functional until the end of his mission. **** Mishka woke to the smell of meat frying and immediately her stomach roiled at the scent. Ignoring the grunts and ‘oompfs’ that followed her out of the bed, she raced towards the bathroom just in time, the sound of her retching bringing both men awake. Rayce held his ribs where her foot had connected when she jumped out of bed and followed her figure as she raced into the bathroom, slamming the door shut. Hawk 171

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looked over at him with a grimace as he too held on to a body part that had been kicked in her flight. The sounds coming from the bathroom were muffled by the door but went on for a good while. Rayce opened all the windows in the room allowing for fresh air to blow away the aroma of frying meat and other smells permeating the room now. Inside the bathroom, Mishka laid her temple against her arm. Lying sideways across the bowl she did her best to clear her fogged brain even as another wave of nausea gripped her, forcing her to roll her head once more. This wasn’t the best way to start the morning, she thought as her hands took hold of the sides of the bowl with a death grip. It took several minutes before her stomach unclenched itself from around her backbone as she panted. A wet cloth was placed on her forehead as someone smoothed back her hair. A glass of water was placed in her hand and she gratefully downed the whole glass without pausing for air. The cool liquid slid down her sore throat as she eased back. Looking up she saw Rayce crouched beside her, his eyes looking worriedly at hers. “Better?” He carefully gathered her hair at her neck and patted her face dry with another towel. “I will be sure to tell mom not to fry anything in the morning.” “Is that what started it?” she stared vaguely around her, still half asleep. Rayce helped her up and carried her back to bed where Hawk pulled her into his embrace. “Just lay here a while. The windows are open so there won’t be any smells upsetting your system until your ready to get up.” Hawk let her settle against his chest as he watched Rayce move around the room. Mishka laid her head on Hawk’s chest and watched the wind fluttering the window shades. Kala had done the room up in shades of blues and creams. Soothing colors that were easy on her eyes right at the moment. Outside she could see the trees and vines creating a soothing backdrop of green. Sighing, she settled deeper against Hawk, feeling his chest rise and fall with each breath he took. His arms were loose around her, but she could feel his comfort at her touch. Her stomach began to settle slowly and she began to get a clearer head. Moving tentatively she waited for her stomach to start up again. When it didn’t she pushed away and sat up, her hair covering her chest. Rayce returned, already dressed in his usual black. “Feeling better now?” Hawk said from his prone position on the bed. He still didn’t want to move but with everyone else moving about he felt his energy start to rise. Flinging back the covers, he sat on the edge of the bed, pulling his robe around him before standing. The deep blue of the silk that moved around him was a compliment to 172

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his hair. “How long am I going to have to put up with that, and is it going to be every morning?” she asked off-hand. “I don’t know. Kala would know for sure.” Hawk said as he turned back to her, holding out another robe for her to slip on. This time it was deep green and the sleeves swallowed her arms up, ending at her fingers. Rolling the cuffs back she stood and climbed out of the bed. She could hear the cries of children as they started the day of play and learning. They all took their turns getting dressed and Mishka took longer because of her hair. “I really should cut it.” she growled as she waited for Hawk to finish braiding the mass. “Do it and I will tan your hide.” He growled playfully, nipping at her shoulder as he fastened the cord around the bottom of the braid. Glaring at him over her shoulder, she swept past him and out the door without waiting. **** The day had dawned perfect. Already the humidity was making the air muggy and wet. Everyone was already up and about by the time Mishka entered the kitchen. Kala took one look at her and pushed her into a chair, placing a plate in front of her. Fluffy eggs filled with gooey cheese teased her taste buds. “Here, this will settle your stomach.” Kala said as she moved around the room with swift efficiency. “Don’t eat just before you go to bed and make sure you have crackers by the bed for the morning. I had the sickness every day for the first few months with all my children. It will go away soon enough.” She was grateful for that piece of advice because she didn’t think that she could last for the whole time waking up every morning running to the bathroom to retch. “What was it that started it?” Kala’s sister Mag leaned over to snag a piece of fruit. “The frying meat.” Mishka said before taking a bite of the fluffy eggs. Taste burst over her tongue and she almost moaned at the flavor. Rayce and Hawk came in and took their customary places on either side of her. Rayce snagged a piece of toast and placed it on her plate while Hawk pulled out some fruit and began slicing it for her before placing each piece on the other side of the plate. Kala smiled at them with pride. “Everything is in place, Hawk. The Warriors came back this morning and let me know that all the sensors are in place. They added a few surprises for whoever is after you. In a few hours we will be ready to take the others 173

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out to the lake. Everything is ready so don’t worry. My girls know how to take care of themselves.” “Thank you, Kala.” He took her hand and spoke with feeling. “Just make sure Mishka is safe. I won’t take any chances while she’s carrying.” Kala was annoyed with his attitude, “You know Mishka can take care of herself.” Shoving another bite of food in her mouth, Mishka she glared at him. “I know you can, my heart.” Hawk said quickly, forestalling any arguing. “Mere precautions, the healer will be here any minute now and look you over.” Mishka recognized the subject change for what it was and swallowed her ire. He was trying to protect her the only way he knew how. In a way it was endearing, but she didn’t appreciate it. **** The healer arrived as they were clearing up the dishes. Along with her, the visionary Darjan Almak stepped into the house. “Thank you for calling on us, Lord Commander. When we heard about the happy news I couldn’t wait to come. I have brought the healer with me. Alora is one of our brightest and most knowledgeable.” She assisted the elderly healer into the house. “Where can I examine you, Commander?” Alora was a gruff no nonsense woman who wore her age with pride. As with many of the elders of the sect, she wore the traditional garb of the healer, a wimple of black over her head and a long flowing gown of white. A symbol hung from a chain around her neck which swayed with her movements. “Upstairs.” Hawk said. “We have a few hours yet before we have to leave, Mishka. Why don’t you take a rest before we leave?” He tried to sound calm but the look in her eye knew he was blowing smoke. “This way.” Mishka led both the healer and Darjan up the stairs to their room. I can’t lose her. That thought kept running over and over in Hawk’s mind as he watched them go.

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Chapter Twenty

Mishka looked out from her perch above the lake, safely enclosed in the cave. The healer stood behind her carefully processing the blood tests in her portable machine which was now whirring gently behind them. Mishka batted her away, irritated with the hovering. Below, some fifty feet were her men acting as decoys while the warriors were camouflaged in the jungle waiting for the signal to strike. Several of the older children, in training to be warriors were placed in the water strategically so they would be in position. A low growl filled her throat as she caught a scent on the wind. With her birdseye view she could see for a mile in either direction. The tracker kept the signal strong and she knew that the assassin was closing in on their location. Anticipation warred with nervousness but she remained where she was. Kala had extracted the promise after being brutally honest with her and her role in today’s exercise. After more than an hour of tense waiting her men were still in the water, acting as if they were playing a game with the children. Even though she knew it was a trap, she acknowledged that they looked perfectly content to play with the younger ones. They would make such good fathers, she thought with a warm feeling. “You will be a good mother, my heart.” She jolted at hearing Hawk speak in her mind. “You can do it, too. We’ve been practicing lately, me and Rayce. Just project your thoughts as if you were in cat form.” he purred. A pleased smile flitted across her mouth as she watched them. They were magnificent in the water. The clean smell coming from the crystal clear water teased her nose as she enjoyed the mist that came from the waterfall near the opening of the cave. From where she was, Mishka had a clear view of the whole valley, while at the same time being covered by the waterfalls churning waters. “When this is over what shall we do? Will we stay with the Forces?” she projected to both of them. “I don’t think I will be allowed to stay in as Commander in my present condition. But you both have the ability to stay in if you want.” “We will have to wait and see what the advisors tell the emperor. Who knows what they will determine. Even if many of our people wish to take the conversion, the young ones are still not able to handle it, and the old ones wouldn’t survive the process.” 175

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Rayce spoke softly in her mind. “Save this for later.” Hawk said suddenly on alert. “Do you smell that?” Just beyond the lake she saw a strange shifting of the bushes and vines. She informed Hawk and Rayce and they in turn told the others by way of their com channels. For the next hour it was a tense wait out. The assassin was there, according to the readings, but they couldn’t see him because of the stealth suit. And with so many witnesses around, the assassin wouldn’t make his move. They were hoping that the stealth suit would malfunction and their wish came true when at the hour mark there was a loud mechanical hiss and a form was revealed. The time had come to face their enemy. **** Tarik swore loudly as the stealth suit’s mechanics broke for the last time. The sizzling hiss he heard was the mechanics frying in the humidity of the planet. Quickly grabbing his daggers from his waist, he lowered into a fighting crouch as both men came forward to circle around him. You failed you miserable curr! A sudden pain in his head caused him to cry out and fall to his knees. I will make sure you do not survive to tell anyone of our plans. **** It took Hawk a moment to recognize the man falling before him. “Tarik?” He caught the man as he started to fall. “You know him?” Rayce asked softly. “He is one of our best assassins. He disappeared some months ago in the Akara Sector.” Tarik clutched at Hawk’s arm. “It will kill me.” He whispered over the pain. “P-parasite.” He gasped as another wave of pain had him screaming. “Get a sedative now!” Hawk barked out. Someone rushed out of the vines and delivered the sedative. The tranq was quickly delivered and Tarik slumped as sleep took hold. “I want a full body scan on this man now.” Hawk was in commander mode. He remembered this man as a highly decorated officer before he joined the Assassin squad. He was quickly taken away by several of the warriors who would get the healers of the village quickly on a full body scan and identify any anomalies. Mishka quickly raced down the path followed closely by the healer. Seeing both men in good health, she threw herself at Hawk, his arms folding around her. “It’s all right, Mishka. We have him in custody.” He spoke into her hair as he held her tight against him. Rayce put a hand on her shoulder and another on Hawk’s. 176

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“Come on you two. It will be a while until the man is awake and we have a report. I suggest we take the time to relax for a while.” Rayce broke them apart and guided them to shore. **** Mishka woke up groggy from the “nap” they forced her into taking. Every time she tried to get out of the bed one of them would be right there to press her back and wouldn’t let her out of the room. Sighing in frustration, she saw the healer Alora standing over her once again with another test kit in her hand. “Again?” she groused, standing up still dressed in her loose pants and top. Her feet were bare and she loved the cool feel of the floor beneath her feet. Slowly she weaved her way to the bathroom to relieve her bladder and then back to the bed where Alora was still waiting for another round of tests. Fifteen minutes later she made her way into the kitchen. Hawk and Rayce sat there eating a large sandwich but stopped as she entered the room. Glaring at them both, she grabbed the sandwich Darene held out for her and sat down on the other side of the room away from them. “Made you take a nap, eh?” Darene laughed, “Dad did the same thing to mom with every single one of the kids.” Giving Hawk and Rayce a significant look Mishka took a healthy bite of her sandwich allowing her fangs to show as she bit. Hawk had the grace to wince and turn his attention to the meal in front of him. **** Kala walked in as they were finishing their meal and saw where Mishka sat with a glare on her face and knew exactly what she was feeling. “The report came back.” Kala placed the report on the table. “Your assassin had a symbiot parasite stuck to his spinal cord. They managed to separate it without too much trouble. Hopefully he will wake up within the next few hours. Then you can talk to him.” Nodding, Hawk swallowed the food, “Thank you, Kala. Tarik was one of the best men I ever worked alongside. There was speculation when he disappeared to a few months ago but nothing concrete. Hopefully I will be able to get some information that will help solve the mystery.” **** They entered the room and saw that Tarik was awake, barely. “Tarik.” Hawk nodded his face stoic. Weakly he shifted on the bed. “Lord Commander.” He wheezed around the tube 177

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feeding him fluids. “They told me what I did--” he coughed weakly. “I don’t have anything to s--say for myself C--commander.” “Relax Tarik.” He waved him back. “We understand the parasite was taking over more and more as time went on. From what we can piece together you picked it up when you were somewhere in the Akara sector.” “NO!” he cried out weakly, shaking his head. Hawk watched as Tarik tried to clutch his head. “Wasn’t,” Tarik swallowed, “Wasn’t in the Akara sector. Plot.” He gasped. The healer rushed forward and injected something into his arm. After a moment he quieted. “There is a plot. Angelia is behind part of it. When I was in control I was able to piece together most of it. The Consort is also involved somehow I discovered. They located the parasites and made a bargain.” “What kind of bargain?” Hawk growled, his eyes changing before their eyes. “The parasites were inserted into several higher ranking officials close to the Emperor. In exchange for their help in getting rid of the Emperor, they would put the Consort on the throne. But Angelia was making sure that neither one would survive.” He swallowed and took a deep breath, “I couldn’t get word to anyone in command; the parasite would take over whenever I tried to send a file. Only a sedative would keep it at bay.” The healer stepped forward and handed him a report. “He’s badly dehydrated and his systems were about to shut down due to prolonged use of the drug. You were lucky to get him when you did, Commander.” “Who gave you the poison you shot the Commander with?” Rayce demanded, his claws standing out. “Angelia gave me the poison; I didn’t know what it was.” He was shaking now but calm. “My orders, influenced by the parasite were to hit the Lord Commander. When Commander Sakar came out instead, the men hired hit her instead. I had no way of identifying who was shot until after it was over. By then the parasite had almost total control over all my senses. You’ve got to get to High command sir.” He hissed. “There are several high ranking officials that have the parasite and don’t even know it. You have to take Angelia and the Consort into custody immediately, before the call for the attack on the Emperor.” “Last report he was still on that rock we left.” Rayce murmured. “Not anymore. He left yesterday for home. Reports are he will reach the Royal house in two weeks. If you aren’t there they will proceed as planned.” “Commander he needs rest.” The healer moved forward, standing near her patient 178

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as she shooed them out of the room. “You can visit with him again in a few hours.” **** They plotted and planned well into the night. With Mishka’s advanced ship they could make the trip to the Royal city in under a week, but the manpower needed… “We can call on the Elder council for reinforcements. If we bring a warrior contingent with us from Cormidion, it will show our support for the Emperor and will make our case all the better.” Kala suggested as they took turns thinking up a plan. “The warriors here train harder than in the Forces. Our heavier atmosphere makes our hearts stronger than humans or other races.” “Good idea. We need to contact the Elder council en route to the launch pad. If they can have the men ready we can depart once we reach the city.” Rayce rubbed his hand under his chin. “We need to send a coded message warning the Emperor.” Hawk said as he stood. “Let’s get moving I want to make all haste to the launch pad. We will take turns driving so we won’t have to stop.” They made the necessary contacts and boarded several transports headed towards the city. It took them only three days to make it to the Royal City on Gavon. Without alerting anyone, they landed at night, and entered thorough the city in the dead of night. The warriors were rested and ready to go. The three security men that Mishka had bitten earlier were all now up and about, each sporting their own tails and full of anger when they found out what had been done. The plan was to converge on the Royal House with the codes given by the Emperor himself over a private communication reroute to the Royal City. Everything went flawless until the alarm was raised and the Consort barricaded herself in her apartments along with Angelia. They had managed to secure all those that were infected with the parasite and they were being treated by the healers. “The door codes have been melted.” The technician barked out. “There’s no way we can get through this without a torch.” “Get me a torch up here now.” Hawk barked into his com unit. Just as they were about to break through, shots were heard on the other side of the door. “Get me through that door now!” Hawk bellowed over the sound. **** 179

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Angelia rounded on Elaine. “Stupid bitch!” she screeched. “You have ruined everything in your greed!” “Oh? Your not so pure in your attitude either, Angelia,” Elaine sneered, pushing the maid away from her. “Using those parasites to gather your own forces? How long would I have stayed on the throne before you killed me as well? How long have you bribed my guards so you could spy on me? I know every move you make. I know all of your plans and I’ve alerted several men close to me what is going on. Oh, they know all about you, Angelia.” Elaine ranted as she circled the maid. A bolt of fear overtook her as she watched Elaine turn into a mad woman before her eyes. Gone was the calculating consort, in her place was a raving madwoman. “You have no proof!” Angelia shrieked running to take cover from Elaine. Laughing wildly, Elaine swung around and picked up the pistol lying out of sight. Bringing up her arm as she fired, she hit the maid in the chest four times before silence fell. Just as she lowered the gun, the doors were thrown open and everyone rushed inside, guns raised. Elaine, too startled by the chaos, stood frozen as guards bound her hands and took her away. It was anti-climactic to say the least as they stood over the body of Angelia. Elaine would stay locked in a cell until the Emperor could pronounce judgment on her before the court. Mishka watched as Elaine was taken away, muttering to herself wildly, her eyes terrified. **** The Emperor sat on his throne, the room full of his people. Mishka and her men were standing to his right as Elaine was brought in. His face was stoic as he watched her stumble and fall on the floor before the stairs of the dais. Guards stood all around her as she tried to pick herself off the floor. They apparently hadn’t let her bathe herself because her hair was wild around her shoulders and down to her hips. Snarls and tangles marred its blond coloring. “You are accused of plotting to assassinate the Emperor.” The crier called out from his perch beside the throne. “What say you?” “Kill the Emperor?” Elaine sounded young and innocent. Her gaze was vague as she looked up at the emperor. “Why would I kill the Emperor? He buys me pretty things. Yes he does.” She nodded earnestly even as she rubbed her neck. “He visits me and brings me chocolates. You know he even said he was going to buy me a house? Where is my hunny bear?” She looked around at the sea of faces, apparently not 180

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recognizing her emperor sitting on the dais. “Her mind has snapped.” Mishka murmured quietly, not taking her eyes from the pathetic form of Elaine. “My hunny bear will come for me. Yes, I would never try to harm the Emperor.” With a cry she sank to her knees and held her head rocking back and forth. Then it was as if a light was switched and she straightened her bearing regal despite her ruined clothes and wild hair. “Pathetic humans.” Her voice was even different. The Emperor looked at Hawk who nodded solemnly back. “You think you can stop us? We have survived millennia in the darkest reaches of space. You can never get rid of all of us. Even now you think we are no threat?” Elaine’s face was a mask of derision as she glared at the Emperor. “You have not found all of us. We are still out there and will continue until all of you pathetic life forms are gone from this world and all others.” “Take this thing…” The Emperor spat. “…away. Have a healer extract the parasite from the consort and then from this day forth, she will be exiled to the farthest planet in my realm. Never again to leave that place, and never again, shall I look upon her face.” There were harsh whispers as the woman was dragged away even as she ranted. Hawk stood forward and bowed to his Emperor. “Hawk, I must thank you for brining this plot to our attention. Tarik is recuperating?” “Yes, he’s currently on Cormidion recuperating from the removal of the parasite. He had no way of knowing when the being was injected inside him by his sister and she cannot tell us. I recommend that he be allowed to retire on Cormidion where we can keep an eye on him. He wishes to retire anyway.” Hawk shrugged. “I agree.” The emperor nodded, “Make it so.” And his clerk jotted down a note. “Now, as for your side effects,” He coughed delicately. “I have read the reports from the healers and the scientists. Soon everyone who is able will be taking the mutation drug and changing as you have. I see no reason why your people cannot remain in the Forces, however certain precautions must be made. I think that they would do best if they are all together, away from humans so there is no risk of infection to the human population. One bite and we would have an epidemic on our hands. Don’t you agree?” “Of course, my lord Emperor.” Hawk nodded in total agreement. “You also may have heard that I have mated with both Captain Oijen and Commander Sakar.” He ignored the gasps of many of the females in the room. “I cannot in all conscience leave my mates while I travel the Empire, can I?” 181

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“No, I don’t suppose you can.” He laughed heartily. “And with the babies on the way you will want to be close as well. Relaxing his posture slightly, Hawk smiled and agreed. Just then an enraged cry echoed in the halls and Elaine burst back through the doors, this time armed with a rifle and blood marring her cheek. “Die!” She gave a hysterical cry as she aimed. All at once Mishka, Rayce, and Hawk transformed into their beasts forms and converged on her. Mishka knocked her down, the rifle skidding across the floor to land harmlessly against the wall. Hawk’s powerful jaws clamped tight around Elaine’s neck and there was a sickening crunch as he crushed her neck. Dead silence ensued as they padded across the room to sit on their haunches in their previous spots. Mishka and her dark spots complimented the wood floors as she sat regally, her tail thrashing gently. Hawk sat equally regal in his white coat and black stripes, his blue eyes staring at the Emperor awaiting judgment. Rayce sat in his dark coat with barely visible spots showing beneath the black, his green eyes glowing slightly as he leaned into Mishka. With a low growl that had several women jumping back, she batted him away and rubbed her cheek against his fur. “Can we go home now?” she asked through their bond. “I’m hungry and tired. I want to go home and build our house before the babies come.” Yawning widely, she revealed her sharp fangs to the whole room. Several women swooned at the sight and Mishka just rolled her eyes. With a sigh, she lay down beside Hawk and wrapped her tail around his. Her eyes closed she waited for Rayce to add his tail and was satisfied when she felt his wind around the other two. “Yes well—” The Emperor spoke, “You have made your point, Hawk. The new Cormidion will make a tremendous asset to the Forces. I suggest you take your mates home and set up a training facility on Cormidion and start training our new recruits straight away.” Smiling her feline smile, Mishka purred, the sound echoing in the hall.

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Epilogue

“Push Mishka, just one more and they will be here.” Hawk urged, sitting behind her on the bed, supporting her back as she pushed the first of their babies into the world. With a mighty cry, she expelled the writhing child into the arms of Alora. “It’s a boy. And look he has a tail!” the healer cried with delight. The baby scrunched up his face and let out a gut busting wail that had them all laughing. “You’re not done yet missy.” Alora was now all business as she passed the baby on to her assistant. The other baby is impatient to be born.” “Crap, just get it out!” Mishka wailed as she arched before she pushed down hard, trying to force the large body through the small opening. Her body felt flayed and bruised beyond repair. It was mere seconds before the next child entered the world squalling. “And this one is a girl. She’s got her mothers temper.” Alora laughed with them. “Looks like the tail will appear in all the new babies.” When they were laid side by side on the bed they all peered down at the two sleeping forms. “They are perfect, my heart.” Rayce whispered in awe as he looked the two over from head to foot. “What shall we name them?” Mishka looked up at them. “Dajair for our son.” Hawk decided, “It’s a fine name for a son and is a combination of Rayce’s fathers’ names.” Mishka looked down at the girl and smiled mistily at her. Covered in black hair, she had a white and black tail like Hawk’s and green eyes like Rayce’s. The geneticists would have a field day trying to explain that one but there it was for them to see. “Angeli.” She murmured, tracing her cheeks with a finger. “We shall call her Angeli after my mother.” Dajair squalled for a moment, his eyes opening to reveal amber-colored eyes before he rolled and slid into his sister. Immediately, Dajair calmed and with a flick of his tail he fell back asleep. Mishka laughed at the sight of a miniature of Rayce right down to the tail, except for her eyes. “He certainly is his father’s son.” And they enjoyed a few minutes of joyful laughter before the relatives came in to see the babies. “Dajair and Angeli, our children.” Hawk looked up at his family. “Thank you so 183

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much for giving them to us, my heart. May we have many more in the years to come.”

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About the Author

Inspired with an inventive imagination, Riane Lasair has spent many a night reading about the paranormal and asking the “What if” question. Finally putting pen to paper, or in this case fingers to keyboard, she started writing her own stories where the characters invented themselves with sometimes hilarious results.

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