Gigi (17 page)

Not a single word was spoken while the holovid showed a pack of Jog’nafans ganging up on his sister. She tried to fight them off, but they were too many. The pack leader pointed a pulse weapon at her neck and disabled her biosuit neuro-link. In seconds, they had her collared and her arms maglocked behind her back.

Briq’s rage rose as he relived his capture and torture by the same monster who now had Mah’yanna. How could he choose between the brave warrior and the mate who’d given him back his life?

Tactical Officer Zu’thro had a personal vendetta with Amada after she’d stabbed him. The incident had left him minus an eye and a growing hatred for Zaaq-niq’s mate. Like T’zaal before him, his demand was clear—Mah’yanna’s life. This time in exchange for Amada’s.

“I’m free at last from your so-called prison. You should know I’m coming for the human called Amada. Nothing will stand in my way. I’ll kill her and consume her soul during dh’ram. Her strength will be mine. Her soul will be my fuel. To the House of Prahn-kril, we’ll make you pay for interfering with the empire. By the time we’re done, your security chief will be nothing but another whore.”

The House of Pran-kril watched stoically as Zu’thro held Mah’yanna by her neck. It took all their training as warriors to stand by and witness her abuse at the hands of the enemy. Briq held back his anger for Mor’u’s sake, but the beast clamored for revenge. Watching T’zaal threaten his sister’s life, offering her in exchange for his mate, filled him with terror. What if the council agreed to hand over Gigi to save Mah’yanna?

In an act of pure courage, his sister looked directly into her enemy’s eye. With the last of her strength, she spat in his face, then uttered the Pendo’rahn battle cry. “Drac’yaa, dra’lyaa, dra’ehn!”

An anguished roar escaped Briq’s lips. Time rolled back in a succession of disjointed images. He was once again a prisoner at the hands of the cruel scientist, forced to watch the young warrior’s rape. Her image was forever burned into his mind as T’zaal slit her open. The battle cry her last act of defiance.

* * * *

Briq’s fear rolled through like a thick mist, choking her. The despair pouring out of his soul threatened to consume her. There was no way out. She couldn’t breathe. The myriad of emotions were so conflicted Gigi didn’t know how to help him.

There were times at night when he’d toss and turn, whimpering. Others, he’d wake up drenched in sweat, screaming incoherently. Sometimes, she’d awaken to find his body tightly wrapped around hers.

Even the night she’d found him crouching in a corner growling didn’t compare to what he felt right now. It was raw, like having her soul ripped out over and over again. The image of a lost soul in hell condemned to relive the same pain for all eternity flashed in her mind.

Another loud roar joined her mate’s, followed by another until all the warriors joined in. Pretty soon the entire chamber reverberated with battle cries. In the back of her mind Gigi knew something had to be done. Her mate was entering a void that she couldn’t follow. Never, in all the time they’d shared, had she felt the darkness engulfing him as it did at this moment.

“Lady Gigi, my readings indicate your mate’s hormones are spiking dangerously.” Sweet Ju’nii with its endless scans. It was always hovering over them like the proverbial mother hen.

“Tell me what to do. I can feel the creature trying to take over. The pain is excruciating.”

“Just do what you always do, my lady. Hold him. Let him feel your presence. We know your voice calms him down. Just sing.”

Ooh-Baak held out his arms, trying to pull her away, but Gigi sidestepped him. Unsure of what to do, she reached for Briq’s hand and placed it on her rounded belly. He was feral, growling at anyone who dared approach him. He stiffened, ready to strike, but the beast scented her.

His growls became soft rumbles as she drew closer. She brought her arms around him and caressed the brand. He was still shaking, reason fighting against bloodlust. Gigi wasn’t aware of what transpired around. She focused on her mate.

A soft whimper gave her hope there was still time. “I know you’re there, my champion. Fight the darkness and come back to me. I need you. Your daughters need you.” She whispered, knowing how keen his hearing was.

She was vaguely aware of the cries for justice around her. In the background, Gigi could hear Dru-lah’s impassioned cry for swift justice. Dru-lah’s demand to head a rescue mission filtered through like in a dream. Ooh-Baak denied his request, claiming he was in no condition to go. None of them were, she thought grimly, but they were Mah’yanna’s best hope.

The song started as soft soothing whisper to ease her mate. It was the only thing that brought him out of his nightmares. She’d spent many hours locked in their room, rocking him to sleep as she sang lullabies. Without the chemical inhibitor, her voice was the only thing that kept him from spiraling into madness.

“Mor’u, my mor’u…”

“Shhh, it’s all right. I’m here, champion. I love you.”

“Daughter, I don’t know what you’ve done, but the council owes you a debt of gratitude.” Ooh-Baak gave her a hug and kissed the top of her head. Gigi looked up, her gaze traveling around the council chambers. All the lights from the signs representing each member were on. Everyone stood, their gazes riveted on her. “You’ve accomplished much today,” her father said. “For the first time in history, we’re of one mind. All the lights are on in agreement.” He grinned and patted her hand.

“Father, we must depart immediately. My sister is in the hands of two of the most brutal monsters in the Kreeh-nosh Empire.”

“No, your place is here with your mate, Briq.”

“You’re wrong, Father.” Gigi shook her head. “His place right now is on the
Toq’ma’lal
with Zaaq-niq and Dru-lah. Go, my champion, get your sister back. It’s time for you to face your monster. Let your healing begin.”

“I promise you, Mor’u, I’ll come back to you and our daughters.” Breaking convention, he reached out and held her face between his strong hands. What did he care if the entire council watched as his lips touched hers?

More news came pouring in as it reached Ooh-Baak’s private chambers. According to reports streaming from the prison, the Kreeh-nosh colony had left the area without attacking. They were now battling against the Jog’nafan who’d stayed behind.

Media frenzy caused delays in communication. There were thousands of reporters swarming the area. It was only a matter of time before news of Mah’yanna’s capture reached all corners of the twin galaxies. Intel from her tactical cruiser was similar. The prison had suffered extensive damage and casualties.

A special crew from Pra’mm was dispatched to retrieve the fallen warriors. The council wanted T’nbros’ body brought to them. The elite warriors had lost three, including their commanding officer. They requested permission to follow the colony, but the council ordered them to stand down.

The goodbyes were bittersweet for both branded couples. Gigi saw how hard it was for the jid’rahal to leave his children. Underneath the fierce warrior exterior beat the heart of a loving father totally devoted to his family. It was the same with Briq. His love kept her firmly anchored.

The suns were setting by the time they made it out of the council building. Words failed to describe the scene before Gigi’s eyes. The troops assembled in textbook formation marched in perfect synchronization as far as she could see. Each clan was represented, their flags waving in the evening air. The warriors’ ro’traals gleamed against the Pendo’rahn twilight’s bright backdrop.

Gigi couldn’t help but compare them to a host of angels. Her champion was stunning in a new armor made with the best nanotech credits could buy. Xy stood beside him, looking imposing dressed in traditional Galadonian clothes.

“Don’t worry, my lady. I’ll look after the poor infatuated moron.”

By now she knew acerbic humor was his way of telling her how much he cared. Ju’nii was also part of the crew since he knew Briq’s physiology better than anyone. The Glaxians agreed Ounna would care for Gigi.

Shoulder-to-shoulder, the warriors walked down the steps to join the forces below. Zaaq-niq and Briq to the left, O’frahm and Xy to the right, flanked by a warrior whose loyalty was unquestionable. The right of swift justice was his and his alone. Gigi saw the determined glint in his eyes. The time had come for Dru-lah to claim his mate.

Chapter Fourteen

Sexy Connection

A month had passed since the men had left to battle the Kreeh-nosh. Gigi tried not to let her feelings of panic overwhelm her. Briq wanted to be in control when he faced T’zaal. The last thing he needed was a frightened mate. He tried to talk to her as much as he could, but they were up against a strong pack.

The armada was currently divided around the galaxies, restoring order to the outposts. Many of them had already demanded autonomy. Newly emerging nations wanted their own government, elected by them without Protectorate interference. In some cases, the seed of unrest was planted and paid for by outsiders like the Kreeh-nosh, the House of Mal’cious or mining consortiums.

In the Kreeh-nosh case, military strategy was the reason. Divide and conquer the armada. Gigi had almost died during one of the rebel attacks. The House of Mal’cious just wanted to separate their outpost from the Protectorate while the consortiums sought complete control of every mining operation. They were in bed with the devil, but they didn’t care.

Before their hurried goodbyes, Briq had practically ordered her to go out and have fun. The next day, Gigi had asked Amada for a tour of the gardens. Her sister had quickly agreed and organized a picnic day for everyone. Viewing the gardens from her window didn’t compare with how beautiful and vibrant it was up close. It evoked magical kingdoms and fairy lands from the stories she held dear.

Amada insisted Gigi call her sister as it was the Pendo’rahn custom. It was easy to do since Amada was caring and giving, and her energy was contagious. So far, Gigi had met a sign language speaking lowland gorilla named Belle. The gorilla loved the children, especially little Dra’ehn, whom she fiercely protected.

The children were the most beautiful babies she’d ever seen. The two identical girls had full heads of black hair just like their mother. The little boy was bigger and already looked like a miniature warrior ready for battle. The couple had decided to name them after the Pendo’rahn battle cry—honor, loyalty and strength.

Gigi felt relaxed for the first time in months until Belle let out a loud roar. Amada just laughed and told her not to worry. Belle was very territorial. It was then Gigi saw the creature from one of her makebelieve stories.

“Is that a…?”

“Yup, they’re called yala’lu here. That’s Percy. I rescued him from K’luk. Can you believe they eat them?”

“I can’t believe dragons are real. He’s so beautiful, Amada. Is he tame?”

“Totally, until he and Belle come together. For some reason, they’re both very protective of the kids.”

“How do you keep the peace?”

“I schedule play dates for all of them. Which reminds me, Percy’s turn.” She signed to Belle.

They were sitting by a secluded clearing near the lake. An impressive waterfall tumbled wildly to the left just outside the fortress walls. The servers had set up the picnic and then left while the warriors kept the perimeter. Gigi made a mental note to come back with Briq. It was so peaceful.

She asked Amada about life on Pendo’rah, the brand and link. Gigi was still trying to understand the fact her mate was almost a thousand years old.

“Their lifespan is really long by human standards. Zaaq-niq is like nine hundred.”

“How are they going to survive when we’re gone?” Gigi couldn’t imagine her life without her mate. What would become of him after she died?

“Remember the first time you joined? When the brand appeared on your body and your souls merged?” Amada asked, her eyes twinkling.

“Yes,” she answered, feeling herself blush. Hers and Briq’s first joining had happened amid destruction and despair. It’d been the most beautiful moment of her life. His soul had literarily entered her body and wrapped around hers.

“His lifespan became yours. You and Briq are now bound forever as long as you both live.”

Gigi was thrilled to learn this. She was now forever tied to her champion. If he died, she’d follow. They couldn’t survive without each other. It was another reason why Pendo’rahns didn’t formed permanent bonds even before the attack. It was so absolute. The mated couple became as one.

It saddened her to think those proud people were denied the wonder of true love. Women couldn’t feel the joy that came with passion. They were very caring, but couldn’t feel desire. The Glaxians were exploring the possibility of using Gigi’s and Amada’s DNA to find a cure.

What they called sex-sparring wasn’t satisfying. Amada introduced them to hip hop with all the bumping and grinding. The female warriors became more receptive to the stimulating beat of the music. Gigi found out Security Cheif Mah’yanna was a big fan.

Guilt for her sister’s capture assailed her. She would exchange places with the warrior in a second. If only she could, but she had to think of her babies. The best she could do was pray for all of them.

“Don’t worry about our sister. She’s a trained warrior. She’ll face her fate with strength and honor.” Amada tried to reassure her, but the defiant look in Mah’yanna’s eyes lingered. She’d seen that same one in Briq’s many times.

They stayed by the lake the rest of the day, enjoying Belle’s and Percy’s antics. The two were inseparable even when they fought for attention. The children were a delight, cooing and gigging at everything.

Gigi noticed that while both pets adored the triplets Percy stayed closer to Dra’lyaa. It was cute watching the babies play with them. She lovingly ran her hands over her belly, gliding her fingers across the rounded mound. Her loud squeal brought warriors running from all directions. Amada just looked at her, grinning from ear to ear.