Alien Mine (Zerconian Warriors Book 7) (5 page)

She’d almost thought he was different, but he was just like the rest. He thought that he could own her.

Never again.

From now on, she would do everything she could to avoid Thor.

“She is avoiding me.” Thor paced back and forth across Darac’s living quarters. Impatience filled him.

“Can you blame her? You declared she was yours in front of everyone. Like she was a bit of property.” Willa glared up at him. “Idiot move, man.”

“I know that, woman.”

“Don’t woman me. I’m not the idiot.”

He turned to Darac, puzzled. Why did she take offence at him calling her a woman? Darac shrugged.

“I regret my actions. I wished to inform her first that she was my mate.”

Willa hit her forehead with the palm of her head. “And here I thought you were more enlightened than the rest of them. There is no hope for any of you. You all belong in the stone age. You cannot just declare her yours and expect her to fall to your feet in gratitude.” She mumbled some words beneath her breath that he was certain were not flattering.

“Willa,” Darac scolded gently. “Thor believes her to be his mate. He has the right to defend her.”

“Yep, cause Safan’s lips were doing so much damage. Lethal weapons.”

He snarled at the thought of that idiot, Safan, kissing his mate. Even if it was just the top of her hand.

“Safan did not mean anything by it,” Darac said. “He did not know she was yours.”

“I know. I have made my apologies to Safan.”

“She’s not his,” Willa sat forward, glaring at them both. “I know you guys think differently. I know you need your mates. I know that better than most.” She gave Darac a warm look. “But that’s not the way we think. Lucy has an opinion. She has a right to make up her own mind about what she wants.”

“I would never force her.”

“I know. Look, I don’t know what Lucy went through before Rye brought her back to our village. But when she arrived, she was so thin I was certain she wasn’t going to survive. She didn’t speak to anyone but Rye for the first three months. Something had terrified her. Badly.”

“She mentioned that she would not be owned again.”

“Again?” Darac jumped to his feet. “Someone owned her?”

Thor nodded, grateful for his friend’s outrage. Those words had haunted him the past two days. The fact that she avoided him, not answering any of his communications only added to his angst. His mind had shot forth all sorts of scenarios.

None of them good.

“I do not know the details. But I understand why my declaration scared her. I did not mean I wished to own her. I would cherish her. Care for her. Protect her.”

Willa sighed. “You guys are so lucky you’re cute. And good in the sack.
Really
good in the sack. You need to move carefully with her.”

Thor ran his hand over his hair. “I know. I have always known that. I was not thinking properly when I declared her mine. But the urge to touch her, to make her mine, it is nearly overwhelming.”

Darac nodded. “It is impossible to ignore the urge to claim your mate. And it only grows worse as time continues.”

He knew that. He only hoped he could give her enough time before the urge grew too great to ignore.

“Perhaps I must speak to Rye. Learn what it is in her past that makes her so fearful of being my mate.” Rye had chosen to accompany them on this mission, while Willa’s others brothers had remained on Zerconia.

“You can try,” Willa said doubtfully. “But without Lucy’s permission he’s not going to tell you anything. Rye is really good at keeping secrets. He’s had plenty of practice. I don’t even have a clue where he found her.”

Darac stood. “I must go, we are getting close to Zaru.”

They had managed to pick up six of the seven emergency beacons, two of those beacons were coming from Zaru. Darac had sent the other two ships that accompanied them to follow two of the other beacons.

“I’ve never heard of Zaru, is it dangerous?” Willa occupied.

“It is a hostile planet, filled with huge wild beasts called Boru,” Darac explained. “They are stupid creatures but deadly. Our warriors should be able to avoid them. Their high density weight means they cannot climb so if you see one coming the best idea is to climb the nearest tree.”

Willa made a face. “Hope they landed in a forest then.”

“Can you please let Lucy know we are close. We have a clear reading on the emergency beacons, but it would be best if she was prepared.”

“You will not allow her on Zaru, though,” Thor dictated.

Willa sighed then, shaking her head, left the room muttering something about idiot men.

“I wish to be there if you need her help.”

“Of course,” Darac agreed.

Thor walked out beside Darac. “What is it that you do in a sack that is so good?”

“I have no idea, old friend. Often I just nod and smile. Understanding these humans is sometimes impossible.”

Lucy stared down at the bracelet. It was a delicate, silver chain with little jewels between each link.

Mila’s bracelet. She swallowed heavily. So far, Darac had only needed her abilities once. They had managed to find the two escape pods and rescue everyone who had remained close by. But one warrior had left to get water. He hadn’t come back.

Unfortunately, she hadn’t been able to get a reading from the article of clothing his family supplied. Which only meant one thing.

The poor man was dead.

She’d hated giving Darac that news. But there was nothing more she could do. She couldn’t trace a dead person. They assumed one of the deadly beasts that roamed Zaru had spirited him away. Lucy hated disappointing people. A sick feeling in her stomach had developed as she’d wondered if Darac would be like the others. If he would hurt the messenger.

But he’d just nodded and thanked her for her help. She’d been left standing there, speechless. Thankfully, Thor hadn’t been around—he’d had wounded to help.

The other ships had been successful. They’d retrieved everyone else and there had been only one other casualty.

That left just the one missing escape shuttle, whose beacon wasn’t transmitting. The escape shuttle that must have held Mila, Koran and the former Empress. The other ships were headed home with all of the extra warriors. That left just their ship to track down the remaining shuttle.

“Ready?” Willa asked her.

She stared over at Willa. Behind her stood Darac. Across the room Rye leaned against the wall. Lastly, she turned her head to look at Thor. He was as far from her as he could get without being out of the room. Maybe she’d driven him away. That was for the best. Right?

God, she was so confused.

She didn’t want to be his mate. But when he wasn’t around, she kind of missed him.

Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.

“Lucy?” Thor moved towards her, his gaze filled with concern. “Are you okay? You don’t have to do this.”

Yes, she did. No one knew why this last escape shuttle wasn’t emitting an emergency beacon, but Lucy had a really bad feeling. So it was up to her to find the missing warriors, including Koran, Mila and the Empress.

“I’m fine.”

“You do not look fine. You are pale and have dark marks under your eyes. Have you not been sleeping?” He reached up, as though to place his hand across his forehead. She leaned forward, her body moving of its own violation.

A fog of need surrounded her, like a drug seeping through her blood. She wanted his touch. Craved it.

At the last second, he snatched his hand back looking horrified.

Jeez, he didn’t have to look quite so relieved. Hurt, she took a few steps back.

It’s for the best, Lucy. Best that he keeps his distance. A relationship is the last thing you need or want. She didn’t know what she’d been thinking. She knew a simple touch, skin-to-skin, could start the mating process.

Not that she was his mate. But why take the risk?

“You should be in bed,” he said gruffly. “You look exhausted.”

“Wow, you have really got to work on your pick-up lines, Romeo,” Willa snarked, coming up and placing her arm around Lucy. “Telling someone they look like shit doesn’t usually end in slap and tickle. Well, unless the slap is to your face.” She turned to Lucy. “Want me to give him a smack around the head for you? You know, since you two are dancing around this whole touching thing. Ain’t really going to work if you ever want babies. Touching is a prerequisite.”

“We are not having babies. Or slap and tickle.” Lucy gave Willa a firm look. What was she playing at? She knew Lucy didn’t want to get involved with anyone. Least of all an overprotective, sexy warrior.

Willa threw her hands up. “Fine. Whatever. I should really leave the matchmaking to Zoey.”

“We are not a match. I am not his mate.” She glared at Thor, who stood there looking confused.

“I am. I am sorry you do not wish it, but I cannot change that. I can only give you time to come to overcome your fear of mating.”

What if she didn’t want time?

Now where did that stupid thought come from? She wanted all the time in the world. Forever. And she just needed to keep reminding herself of that. Cause the last thing she needed was to start dreaming about what life might be like with Thor.

How safe it might feel to let him protect her. To let herself feel something for him. Let herself trust someone again. When was the last time she’d truly felt safe?

“I don’t fear mating. I just never intend to mate. You’ll soon figure out I’m not your mate. Then you can go find some other woman to settle down with, raise eight children and live happy ever after.”

Me! Pick me!

No!

Jesus. She had some serious issues. She needed to seriously think about therapy. But who would want to crack her head open? Once she started to talk about her fears and insecurities she was pretty certain she’d never stop.

She turned to Willa. “I’m ready. You remember what to do?”

“Yep, don’t touch you. Don’t talk to you and if your eyes go a weird color don’t freak out.”

“Ahh, yeah, that’s pretty much it. Here goes.”

She grabbed Mila’s bracelet and opened up the barriers that she kept up to protect herself. She braced herself as the room spun. The sickening feeling stopped suddenly and she found herself staring at a dark, dirty wall instead of the silver-gray walls of the spaceship.

Okay, where was she?

Normally things happened much slower. But obviously Mila’s connection to this bracelet was strong.

“Where am I?” she whispered to herself. She turned around, shock filling her as she spied Mila in the corner of the room.

Her father had started training her when she was five. It had been damn terrifying for a start, even with her father accompanying her. Being outside of her body was just wrong and she still grew scared sometimes that she wouldn’t be able to find her way back.

She had to remember to stay calm. Not so easy when she saw the state Mila was in. She sat huddled in the corner, a shackle around her right ankle. A heavy chain attached her ankle to a bolt that was attached to the ground.

Her clothing was dirty and ripped and her eye was swollen and dark.

“Oh, Mila, what is going on?”

The door to the small, dark room opened and some food was chucked into the room, landing on the ground and rolling in the dirt. Mila shuddered back as a dark shadow of a man filled the room. Lucy tensed, there was nothing she could do if the man decided to do something. Where the hell was Koran?

The door shut and Mila let out a small whimper.

Lucy needed to get help to her. Fast.

Thor paced, restless energy building up inside him as he watched Lucy where she sat motionlessly on the sofa. Her eyes had morphed into a creamy white with flecks of yellow and blue. Face pale, she appeared almost lifeless.

A soft murmur of distress came from her and he stilled. “What’s wrong?”

Willa waved him back. “Shh.”

Her body shuddered and then she blinked. Closing her eyes, she slumped back on the sofa. There was no way he could hold himself back now. Thor raced towards her, growling as Darac stepped into his path.

“Get out of my way.”

“You cannot touch her. Not if she is your mate. She’s weak and faint already.”

Stars. Darac was right. Even though Thor didn’t like it, the last thing he wanted was to begin the mating process while she was unaware. Or make her feel worse by sending her into a deeper faint.

So he stood back, frustration building, as Willa took care of his mate. Turning, he stared at the wall as he attempted to keep himself under control. This could not continue. Not if he wished to retain any rational thought. The longer he went without claiming her, the more the need grew. Even at night, he found it hard to stop thinking about her. His dreams were filled with her and it wasn’t uncommon for him to awaken several times a night, his cock hard and throbbing, begging for release.

Finding release with your hand just wasn’t as satisfying as it had been when he was young. To find any satisfaction, he had to imagine that it was her hand surrounding him. Her mouth, taking him deep.

“Lucy, are you okay?” Willa asked.

Thor turned back at the concern he heard in Willa’s voice. What was wrong? Lucy was now sitting, her face so pale he worried for a moment that she wasn’t breathing. Eyes wide, she started to shake.

“Lucy?” Willa stared over at him, panicked.

He flew over to them, kneeling in front of Lucy. Damn it, enough was enough. He couldn’t hold back from touching her much longer. Especially not when she needed him.

For the moment, he risked touching her pant-covered knee. He believed touch had to be skin-to-skin to begin the mating process. When she showed no sign of dizziness, he brought his other hand down on her other knee.

“Lucy, listen to me. Look at me.”

She continued to stare off into the distance.

“Her skin is cold and clammy,” Willa told him.

“Take her pulse. Darac, contact Tae. Lucy, look at me now.” He used his firmest voice and it worked as she turned her gaze to his. “Good girl. Just watch me. Everything is going to be all right.”

“Pulse is erratic. Wait, it’s evening out. Whatever you’re doing, keep doing it.”

He wasn’t really doing anything. But Lucy’s breathing steadied as she stared into his eyes. Her eyes were pale blue again, but he swore he could see specks of yellow flying across her eyeballs like a shooting star falling through the sky.

“Mila,” Lucy croaked out.

“Did you find her?” Darac asked, moving around beside him. Thor resisted the urge to snap at him. To tell him to back away from his mate. Couldn’t he see that Lucy wasn’t up to answering his questions?

“She’s in trouble. We need to save her.”

“No.”

Lucy looked up at Thor in frustration. She took a sip of the hot drink Willa had given her, grateful for the distraction. Her hands were still shaking and her heart beat just a touch too fast. Still, she couldn’t let Thor see that. Then he would become impossible.

He was already being a difficult pain in the ass.

“I need to track Koran,” she said, using her most patient voice. “We don’t have time to argue about this, Thor. Mila’s in trouble.”

After Tae checked her over and declared her well if a little in shock, she’d told Darac, Willa and Thor what she’d seen. Willa now paced the room, her concern very evident. Darac frowned as he brought up a map of their surroundings on the vid screen.

And Thor just stood over her with a ferocious glare on his face.

“You nearly fainted from tracking Mila. You’re still pale and in shock. You need fluids and rest. Not more trauma.”

“It’s not trauma.” Although she had to admit it had felt a bit traumatic. Memories rushed at her, of dark, small spaces. Terrifying images of a large man standing over her, threatening her.

“Lucy!” Thor touched her knee again and a shiver of need raced through her, chasing away the bad. He had touched her and she hadn’t fainted. Nor felt any different from usual.

See. She was right. She wasn’t his mate.

Damn it, she shouldn’t feel disappointed about that.

“You cannot do this.”

“I can and I will.” She stood, giving him a firm look. “You don’t get to decide this. I do. Even if I were your mate, you cannot decide for me. I will not let anyone decide for me again. I make my own decisions. My own mistakes.”

“I will protect you.”

“No. You won’t. I protect myself. I’m the only person I can rely on.”

He breathed in and out and for a long moment she thought he would explode. Then he surprised her by nodding. His face relaxed, the fury she’d seen moments ago, was banked.

“One day. You will tell me who hurt you in the past.”

“Don’t hold your breath, buddy.”

He frowned, clearly puzzled. “I had not intended to.”

“Can I have something of Koran’s please. It’s weird. I’ve never experienced a search like that one with Mila’s bracelet. Normally everything happens in steps. I sense the direction of the person, then I see the planet, the city or town or area then I can sense the person’s surroundings. But this time I went straight to her immediate surroundings. I want to do trace to get a more accurate reading on their location. Does she have a close bond with this bracelet?”

“Koran gave it to her,” Willa confirmed. “The only reason she didn’t take it with her is because the clasp broke the day before she was due to leave. She left it with me to get fixed. I can’t believe she’s being held prisoner.”

“I need something else of hers to try again. Or something of Koran’s. Provided he is with her.”

Darac nodded. “Koran collects weapons. I brought one with me. I will retrieve it from our quarters.” He quickly strode away.

“Of course he does. Most people collect stamps or coins. Not Koran.” She smiled at the other two, but they didn’t smile back. So much for breaking the tension in the room. “It will be okay. She’s alive and relatively unharmed. I’ve been in worse situations and survived. Mila’s stronger than me. She’ll make it.”