Demon Untamed (17 page)

Any other time he would have loved the freedom, but now it was nothing more than a constant reminder of a shameful act that needed to be rectified.

* * *

Sonya sank back into the captain’s chair with a relieved sigh when the transmission came through that Sebastian and Anya were safe and headed for
Marada
. Yet it also caused a sickly feeling in the pit of her stomach. Once on board, Sebastian would again take over as captain, and she would go back to work in The Demon’s Punchbowl...alongside Ethan.

She’d been successful in avoiding him since the incident and did not relish the idea of facing him so soon. She’d never been one to avoid confrontation. The fact that she recoiled from the idea of approaching Ethan grated on every level.

Especially when there was no need for it.

Their encounter in the training room wasn’t that big of a deal, anyway. Silly, in fact, when she really thought about it.

Though her brothers might not think so.

And Ethan would be so worried about their discovery of his less than honorable conduct, he would mostly likely do anything she ordered. The idea didn’t give her as much pleasure as it should. Moreover, merely inviting the image of him into her mind caused her blood to fire…with hunger.

She shivered.

Everything in her came to life when she recalled the beginning of their battle, his easy evasion from her formidable skills. Why that should cause her veins to quicken with a rush of desire, she could not say, but it grew worse as she called to mind the intimate portion of their conflict. Her skin grew heated at the reminder of his touch and the intense ecstasy that had scored her body all the way to bone, and deeper still.

She had been too far lost to warn him of her inexperience. Mindless, in fact. The initial pain had been surprising, but easily ignored, her hunger for more overruling.

But then he had rushed out of there like she was some sort of diseased pile of space junk. The affront sizzled still, burning away every trace of desire.

She lifted her chin, resolved not to let anyone see what an emotional mess she had become.

Aidan called across the bridge. “The shuttle is docking, Captain.”

“Good. Keep us in orbit until further instructions. I’ll go and greet them.”

“Huh.” Aidan’s tone was baffled.

She paused. “What is it, Aidan?”

“There are five life-forces on board.”

“Five?” Had they picked up a stray? A dark thought filtered into her mind. Could they have been hijacked? “Are there any other ships in the area?”

“No, Captain.”

That meant little; pirates survived by the prowess of their stealth.

“Run a physical analysis. Are they calm?”

“No, I’m reading three elevated heart rates and traces of blood.”

“Shit. I’m heading to the docking bay. If you detect conflict, seal off the area and alert the crew.”

On her way, she stopped to gather weapons from the weapons locker. Because many projectile weapons could be detrimental to a hull, they were generally outlawed on most civilized ships.

However, Sonya had managed to convince Sebastian to stock a few of the safer energy based weapons. The one she was currently strapping to her waist—and had been dying to try out—was a small handheld called a pulsar blaster. It directed a pulse of energy that could knock someone on their ass and crush the breath out of them, while leaving the heavy metal casing of the ship around them intact. Sonya also grabbed a couple of light-weight swords before she hurried to her next stop.

Though she didn’t like the idea of asking for his help, Ethan had proven himself to be skilled in combat. And, despite the fact that she was currently in shambles over what had occurred, her family was more important than her pride.

She poked her head into The Demon’s Punchbowl and spotted Ethan behind the bar, conversing with a couple of crewmen. “Ethan! Come with me, now.”

Ethan looked up, bewildered by Sonya’s urgent tone. Was she finally ready to rail at him for what he had done? He looked around the pub. A few of the crew shifted their gazes between him and Sonya.

He turned back to Sonya, noting the weapons in her possession. Was she hoping to finish their bout on the mat? “Uh, do you want me to close the—”

“No time.” She motioned him closer.

He stepped out from behind the bar and crossed the room.

She pulled him into the hall and continued in a confidential tone. “Sebastian is docking, and I’m not sure, but there could be trouble.”

His mind snapped to attention. What if Anya was hurt again? Dammit! He should have fought harder to join them.

Sonya offered him a sword. He took it and followed her without another word. When they arrived at the docking bay, the shuttle had already settled, but the room was still in the process of being pressurized. They could only wait and watch through a small clear window pane in the bulkhead.

Movement behind the shuttle’s front window caught his attention. He spotted Marik, alive yet covered in blood. Sonya saw him too, and her tail flicked in what he assessed as nervousness.

Finally, the door to the room slid opened. Sonya zipped inside, pulling what looked like some kind of gun out of a holster at her hip.

The shuttle hatch cracked open, and a bloodied stranger, sword sheathed around his waist, filled the opening.

Sonya raised her weapon as Ethan tightened his grip on the hilt of his blade.

The unfamiliar male took a step before he noticed they had weapons drawn on him.

His eyes flashed red, and his horns began to warm in color. Ethan paused, surprised by the realization that this stranger was a demon.

Undeterred, Sonya raised her gun.

With a snarl, the strange demon pulled his sword and leapt from the shuttle entrance, his boots landing on the metal floor with a hard thud. Then, rising to his full height, he pointed the tip of his weapon at her.

Ethan’s gift went into overdrive. He sensed the male ready to dodge Sonya’s shot before countering with his blade. He rushed in front of Sonya and hurled himself at the other male, their blades clashing.

A sharp pain laced Ethan’s side. He looked down to see two arrows penetrating his abdomen. From the corner of his eye, he spotted his attacker: a petite redhead covered in an array of animal hides. She had a bow trained on him as she drew back another arrow.

Faster than he could visually comprehend, Sonya sprung at the female, gripping her by the neck and slamming her against the hard surface of the docking bay floor. Brilliantly sharp fangs peeked from under Sonya’s full lips. She let out a terrifying snarl as her horns blazed the color of fire.

Ethan couldn’t help but take a moment to appreciate the wild frenzy unleashed. Apparently, neither could his demon opponent.

With her tail whipping the air, she was like some glorious preternatural creature.

Extraordinary.

Marik appeared from within the shuttle, looking equally formidable. His eyes and horns blazed as bright. He dove for Sonya, slamming into her and sending them both crashing across the room into the bulkhead. The protesting wail of crushing metal made Ethan wince.

Marik pulled back to bare his fangs at Sonya and let out a harrowing roar.

Ethan blinked, stunned by the similarity of both attacks.

Sonya’s eyes cleared, and she tilted her head at her attacker. “Marik?”

Sebastian emerged from the shuttle and stepped between Ethan and the strange new demon, his arms arranged in a peacemaking gesture. Both Ethan and the strange demon still had their weapons at the ready, but were too bewildered by what had just occurred to use them.

Anya raced down the steps and hunched over the redhead, her face drawn tight with worry. Ethan should have felt relief at seeing Anya alive and well, but Marik’s unwavering rage toward Sonya distracted him. He stepped toward the two, sensing Marik was ready to rip her to pieces.

Sonya’s gaze darted to Ethan. She shook her head and gestured for him to keep his distance.

“Hey, Red,” she called steadily. “Call off your boy.”

The odd request sent Ethan’s attention back to the redhead. It was then that he realized who she was. Her appearance hadn’t changed all that much over the years. She was still quite pretty with ice-blue eyes and a fiery mane that framed her face.

Nadua sat up, rubbing her head and giving Sonya a cold glare. Then she softened at the sight of Marik in his rage-filled state. “Marik, it’s okay,” she cooed.

Marik didn’t move as his blazing gaze continued to bore into Sonya.

“Marik, look at me,” Nadua pleaded, her tone soothing. “Eyes on me.”

Marik’s head shifted toward her and the red in his irises slowly faded. Using his gift, Ethan scanned Marik and determined the threat had passed.

Sonya shoved Marik. “Get off me, you jackass.”

Marik shook his head as if clearing it and then pushed to his feet. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”

Sonya reached a hand up to massage her shoulder. “It looked as though you had been hijacked. Why is everyone so bloody? And who the hell is that?” She motioned her head toward the new demon.

“This is Rex,” Marik answered while looking over Nadua. “He’d been stranded on Undewla for years and was a great help to Nadua and I. In return, we agreed to give him a ride.”

“Maybe you should have mentioned that in your transmission! What am I supposed to think when everyone is bathed in blood?” Sonya pointed an accusing finger at Ethan. “And you! Don’t ever get in my way again. I brought you here as back up, not protection.”

Ethan bristled. “Perhaps you should take your own advice and inform me ahead of time. It would be nice to know what I’m getting myself into.”

She flushed and opened her mouth to speak, but then seemed to notice the two arrows in his side. Her eyes flew to Nadua with renewed wrath.

Ethan canted his head.

Sebastian spoke then. “Let’s just get everyone mended and cleaned up. Anya, you can take your sister to our room to wash up and lend her some clothes. Marik, show Rex to one of our empty compartments. He appears about my size, so I’ll provide something for him to wear.”

“Thank you,” Rex said, still warily gripping the hilt of his blade.

Sebastian nodded. “But first, everyone give me your weapons. I won’t have you walking my ship armed as you are. Sunny isn’t the only one who would jump to the wrong conclusion.”

Sonya handed over her weapon and grumbled, “Don’t call me that.” Then she stormed from the room.

Anya led Nadua away, followed by Sebastian, leaving Marik to shut down the shuttle while Rex waited for him.

Ethan turned to the newcomer. “No hard feelings?”

Rex moved forward to take hold of his entire arm in greeting, hand to elbow. “Not as of yet. Who was that female?”

“Her name is Sonya. A real pain in the ass.”

“I can tell.” Rex smiled.

At the demon’s apparent interest, a flurry of emotions ransacked Ethan’s brain.

Rex’s gaze swept to the arrows still embedded in Ethan’s side, and he pointed to one. “Those are deeply wedged. I’m no medic, but I have extracted my fair share if you need.”

Ethan imagined the pain he was going to feel when they were removed. “No thanks,” he replied. “I know of someone who should revel in the privilege.”

Rex replied with a shrug, then turned back to the shuttle to await Marik.

Ethan found Sonya behind the bar in the tavern, busily scrubbing the counters. As he approached her, one of the patrons called out, “Hey Ethan, nice accessories.”

Sonya stilled and then turned to face him. “What are you doing?”

“I was going to get back to work.”

Sonya gaped. “Are you just going to leave those where they are?”

“Of course not,” he replied. “I can heal instantly, but since you’re the reason they’re in there, I figure you should be the one to pull them out.”

“I’m not pulling them out! Go to the doctor.” She waved him away.

“You get me injured, and you won’t even help me?”

“I didn’t tell you to jump in front of me and get yourself shot, pirate.”

Ethan ground his teeth.
And we’re back to pirate
.

His reply came out just as cutting as hers. “Maybe if you had proved you could fight—”

Sonya’s hand whipped out, and she wrenched one arrow free. Caught off guard, Ethan cried out and slammed his hand down to grip the bar for support. His other hand went to cover the now open wound. His vision blurred.

When he was able to focus, he could almost swear he caught concern in her eyes, but he must have imagined it because when he blinked, that look had vanished.

The room had gone silent as patrons watched the odd scene.

“There,” Sonya said. “Now go have Doctor Oshwald do the other one.”

“No, just get it over with,” he managed, his head still swimming as blood leaked down his side.

“Why aren’t you healing?” she spat.

“I can’t heal till the other one is out.”

“Damn you.” Gripping the other arrow tight, she yanked back as mercilessly as the first.

Though he was prepared this time, the removal of the second arrow was no less painful. He straightened his spine and met Sonya’s gaze full on.

“Was that supposed to be some sort of gesture?” she asked in an offhanded tone.

He lifted one shoulder in answer, growing worried. Was it not enough?

“Just heal yourself and get out of my pub.” Sonya turned away, but when Ethan didn’t move, she snapped, “You’re getting blood all over the place! Heal already!”

“Not until you agree that we’re even.”

Sonya’s jaw dropped, and she remained speechless for a moment. “How does this make us even?”

“I hurt you. You hurt me. Hence we’re even.”

“Is that a pirate thing?”

He shrugged again.

“Well, there’s nothing to make even. I’m a big girl, and I knew what I was doing.”

Frustration hacked a path through him. Maddening female!

He grabbed her by the arm and pulled her close. “Well, I didn’t! If I had known I wouldn’t have...I would have been—”

“Enough!” She pulled away, blushing furiously as her gaze darted around the room. “I don’t want to talk about this anymore. So fine then, we’re even. Go away.” She paused and pointed to the blood-soaked ground. “But clean up this mess first.”