Undaunted (Battle Born Book 6) (3 page)

“I’ve heard about harbingers. In fact, they’re part of our curriculum, but I’d never actually met one before their visit. Danvier is…intense.”

Garin smiled. Danvier’s ability to see into the future could be intimidating. But they’d been friends for so long, Garin hardly thought about Danvier’s visions anymore. Besides, he needed to get used to not having him around. Danvier had recently claimed Haven and now it looked as if they would be returning to Rodymia to help modernize Harbinger Guild. “Danvier was impressed with the ranch, thought it might be just what we need.”

“I’m not selling the ranch,” Rachel stressed.

“That’s not what I have in mind. If you only have three classes per year and each class lasts about two months, then the ranch is unused for six months out of every year.”

“The down times are broken up throughout the year, but that’s about right.”

“Would you be interested in leasing your facilities to the battle born during those times when your facilities are vacant?”

Rachel looked around, lips pursed, gaze narrowed. “Schedules would have to be coordinated and strictly enforced. I don’t want my students interacting with soldiers.”

“Understood.”

“The upkeep on this place is challenging,” she muttered. “We really could use the money.”

“I’m sure physical maintenance on a complex this large is also a challenge. I’d be willing to barter for labor. My men are excellent workers.”

Her gaze quickly swept down his body then she indulged in a guilty smile. “If they look anything like you, I can imagine how well they work.”

He returned her smile, liking her more than he’d expected. “Show me the training center.”

“Of course.” She motioned toward a dirt path leading between two of the smaller buildings.

The path led deeper into the fragrant trees. He’d always enjoyed the strange spindly leaves found on trees common to Earth’s mountainous regions. They were so different from trees on Rodymia.

“This is the newest of our facilities,” Rachel explained, “and it was sort of a splurge.” They emerged into another clearing and found a small complex rather than one large building. “That’s the swimming pool.” She pointed to the largest of the buildings. Rather than continuing the rustic theme of the residential cabins, the swimming pool was enclosed in a large industrial-style building. “That’s the gym.” She motioned to the structure next in size. “There’s a weight room with lots of equipment for physical conditioning. The other two are locker rooms, with showers, saunas, hot tubs and cryogenic therapy units. Like I said, it was pretty indulgent.”

“I can give you access to regeneration units and your splurge would be complete,” he tempted.

“You’re quite the negotiator.”

He winced. If only Morgan felt the same. His negotiations with the human female had been a failure so far.

Rachel led him through each building in turn, allowing him as long as he liked to look things over. Each area was immaculate and well ordered, just the way he liked things. She paused to secure the locker room door as they concluded their tour.

Garin looked around one last time, drawing in a deep breath of cool pine-scented air. “I can easily picture my men training in these surroundings.” He waited until she turned around before asking, “Are you interested in the sort of arrangement I’ve described?”

“How soon do you need an answer? I’d like to give it some thought.”

Her caution was understandable, but he couldn’t help being annoyed by another delay. “The sooner, the better, but I’d be willing to wait a day or two.”

“I won’t keep you hanging for long, I promise.”

They headed back to the main house, but Garin’s mind refused to remain focused on his current companion. He needed to understand what had happened with Berlynn. Better yet, he needed to fix whatever was wrong. He wanted Berlynn to be his mate. Even if she agreed, he didn’t think he’d be content with her as his mistress. He wanted the soul-deep link both his brothers were enjoying with their mates. And he wanted it with Berlynn.

“Is there anything I can do to help you?” Rachel asked as they neared the big house.

“I need to leave for several hours.” He ran his hand over his bristly hair with a sigh. “Is it all right if Berlynn stays here until I return?”

“Of course. Berlynn is always welcome.”

He nodded, anxious to leave. “Then tell her I’ll return this evening or tomorrow morning at the latest.”

“Will do.” Rachel raised her hand in farewell as he hurried back across the yard.

By Rodyte standards, Lunar Nine was actually quite primitive. The compound had been built within a natural cave on the dark side of Earth’s moon. An enemy had sneaked into the cavern using a shuttle similar to the
Phantoms
, so the entrance was now secured with an energy net and at least two heavily armed fighters.

Two long docking strips extended from the main complex, which followed the contour of the cavern. To keep things organized, Garin had designated the top concourse for arrivals and the one below for departures. Garin docked the
Phantom
across from the
Intrepid
then dug through Berlynn’s overnight bag until he found her hairbrush. His chest tightened and he clenched the handle of the brush, refusing to admit that his hands were shaking. He could not allow a female to disrupt his life so completely.

The
Intrepid
was small and sleek. Her clean lines meant to appear unimpressive and discourage interest in the hospital ship. The crew was highly specialized and assisted by state-of-the-art technology. Most of the crewmembers were also elite, which created a challenge for Garin. Without a personal stake in the conflict, it was harder to determine each person’s loyalty. Which was why Garin had appointed command of the
Intrepid
to Kaden Lux.

Kaden Lux had spent the last ten years as an infiltration operative. He could become anyone the mission required with remarkable ease. Ten years in the field also honed his instincts and taught him how to read people with nearly faultless accuracy. It was this ability that Garin needed now. Each member of the
Intrepid’s
crew was a potential spy and Garin needed to know whom he could trust.

Garin insisted he be subjected to the same security measures as everyone else, so he wasn’t surprised when Kaden awaited him on the other side of the security gate. The scanner would have alerted Kaden to Garin’s arrival.

“You made good time, sir,” Kaden greeted. “Was there a reason for your haste?”

The “sir” was for the benefit of the crew. Garin had long since been on a first-name basis with all three Lux brothers. “Nothing in particular,” he lied, “just a busy schedule, as usual.”

Kaden grinned, clearly knowing kaunashit when he heard it. “So, what can we do for you?” Like all of the rebels, Kaden wore the black-and-gold uniform of the Rodyte military, minus any official insignias. Kaden’s dark hair was much longer than regulations allowed, but the enforcement of many rules had slackened since they became outlaws. Garin was more concerned about loyalty and proficiency than the length of a commander’s hair.

“I need a DNA analysis,” Garin told him.

“You’ve come to the right place.” He motioned Garin onward then fell in step beside him. Neither man spoke again until they were alone in the corridor leading to one of the elevator banks. “This wouldn’t have anything to do with the mysterious shapeshifter I’ve been hearing so much about, would it?”

Garin shot him an annoyed look, but didn’t break stride. “Why are people talking about Berlynn?”

Kaden laughed. “She’s the only unmated female on the outpost. Do you really need to ask?”

“I suppose not,” Garin grumbled. “And yes, it’s her DNA I want analyzed.”

“I’m actually surprised it took you this long. I saw her in the commerce district a couple of days ago. She’s lovely.”

Not ready to admit that his interest in Berlynn was intensely personal, Garin changed the subject. “Are Ashley and Raina still doing well?” They were the first two females to undergo the transformation.

“All of their scans have been perfect, and Indigo had the first injection this morning. All we need now are more willing females.”

“I’m working on it.”

The laboratories and medical facilities were on a high security level, so Kaden and Garin were scanned again before the elevator accepted the voice command. The outside of the
Intrepid
was intentionally ordinary. The same could not be said of the interior. Transparent walls muffled sound while allowing the labs to feel less claustrophobic. Garin paused as he stepped out of the elevator. Holographic displays and simulators guided the researchers in their various tasks. He couldn’t begin to guess what most of the equipment did, but it was certainly impressive.

A wide corridor led directly from the elevator to the clinic. Unlike the research area, the clinic had alloy walls to protect the privacy of the patients. The doors parted as they approached and Kaden paused, allowing Garin to precede him.

Though regular updates kept Garin well informed about progress and setbacks, it had been several weeks since he made a personal appearance on board the
Intrepid
. Tangible awareness rippled through the room as the crewmembers noticed his arrival. Dr. Darrin Mintell, the senior medical staff member, hurried forward as a hush fell over the room.

“General Nox. Commander,” Mintell greeted them in turn. “What brings you by today?”

A hint of defensiveness in Mintell’s tone made Garin smile. “Relax. You’re not in trouble.” He waited until the tension in the doctor’s shoulders eased. “Actually, I need a favor.”

“Of course. If it’s within my power, it’s yours.”

Kaden made a sound part scoff and part snort. “He’s never this accommodating with me.”

“I have to put up with your harassment on a daily basis.” Mintell softened the complaint with a smile. “So, what’s the favor, sir?”

Feeling rather foolish, Garin held out the hairbrush. “I need a DNA analysis.”

Kaden and Mintell exchanged knowing looks as the doctor took the hairbrush from Garin. “If you’ll follow me, sir. This will just take a few minutes.”

Mintell led the other two into an adjoining procedures room. Again, Garin was struck by all the sophisticated equipment. The exam table hovered in midair, allowing unlimited adjustments with just the touch of one hand.

The doctor put the hairbrush on a small oblong pad and activated a holo-display in front of him. The double helix shared by all humanoid species appeared, rotating in a slow spiral. The doctor zoomed in on one section and then another, pausing to enter commands via the control matrix. “The subject is female.”

“I’m interested in her ancestry,” Garin admitted, hoping to speed the process along. “Is she pureblood Rodyte?”

Mintell entered several commands and then studied the display. “How strange.”

Not words Garin was hoping to hear. “What does that mean?”

“At first glance, I would have said yes, but now I’m not so sure.” He activated a different function and the DNA strand disappeared, replaced by lines and lines of coded information. “It’s running a comprehensive comparison against our database.”

Kaden moved closer to Garin and lowered his voice as he asked, “Is this about her abilities or is your interest of a more personal nature?”

Garin glowered, allowing his impatience to show. “What do you think?”

“Have you tested your compatibility?” Any other commander would have backed off, but Kaden was a friend as well as a subordinate.

“Okay, here we go,” Mintell drew their attention back to the display. “Her DNA analyses eighty-eight percent Rodyte and twelve percent…inconclusive? That can’t be right. Let me run it again.”

Garin made him run the analysis three times before he accepted the results. The last thing he wanted was more unanswered questions. “What can cause an ‘inconclusive’ reading?”

“Either a genetic mutation that has yet to be entered into our database or a genetic contribution from a species that isn’t in our database. With twelve percent of her DNA affected, mutation is less likely than an ancestor of unknown origins.”

“Can you tell how this anomaly is affecting her?”

The doctor held out his hands and shrugged. “I’ve never encountered it before. If you know this female, it’s more likely that you can tell me.”

Garin tensed. He was going to have to ask specific questions if he wanted specific answers. He looked at Kaden then back at the doctor. “Not one word of this leaves this room.”

“Of course.” Mintell seemed insulted by the prompting.

“Your secrets have always been safe with me,” Kaden reminded him.

He took a deep breath and reluctantly dove to the heart of the matter. “I’m attracted to Berlynn so strongly I was sure we’re potential mates, but my taste didn’t trigger the pull in her.” He kept his chin up, refusing to be deterred by this minor obstacle.

The doctor turned back to the control matrix. “Your DNA is on file. With your permission, I’ll run a quick comparison.”

“That’s why I’m here.” Garin’s heart thudded so hard he was afraid the others would hear. He’d never wanted anything as badly as he wanted Berlynn.

Every second felt endless as the tension mounted, then Dr. Mintell smiled. “You’re right, sir. You are a strong genetic match with this female.”

The result was bittersweet. He’d hoped beyond hope that science would prove his instincts accurate, but why hadn’t Berlynn responded to his taste? “Then why…?”

“It can take more than a kiss to activate the pull in some females,” Mintell assured him. “Was kissing as far as the intimacies progressed?”

Garin nodded, uncomfortable discussing something so personal with anyone else.

Kaden slapped him on the back with a rumbling chuckle. “Looks like the lady needs a little more persuading.”

He was more than willing to give Berlynn all the “persuading” she required as long as the end result was bonding fever. “Has there ever been a case when a couple was genetically compatible yet one or the other never felt the pull?”

The doctor sent the genetic analyzer into hibernation with a succinct hand gesture. “There has, but the level of compatibility wasn’t nearly this strong. All indications point toward a successful bonding, sir. I honestly think all the female will need is a higher level of arousal to feel the pull.”

Garin recovered enough to nod, though relief and excitement pulsed through his entire body. He motioned toward Berlynn’s brush. “I need to return that to her.”

“Of course.” Mintell handed him the hairbrush and Garin thanked him for his time.

Kaden didn’t speak again until they left the clinic. He knew better than prying into Garin’s personal life, but the curious gleam in his dark eyes made it obvious he wanted to. “Where are you off to now?”

Garin smiled. It was a clever way of asking about Berlynn. “She’s with a close friend on Earth. I’ll return to her shortly, but Danvier and Haven should be back from Rodymia by now. I need to find out how the negotiations with the guild masters went.”

“It was good seeing you in person for a change.” Kaden’s smile broadened and his dark eyes gleamed. “If you need ideas for later tonight, just let me know.”

* * * * *

“This is highly irregular,” Quinton Keire muttered as his guest lowered the deep cowl shadowing his face. One of the advantages of being crown stirate of Rodymia was dictating when and with whom one would meet. Instead of asking permission to enter Quinton’s presence, as protocol demanded, his visitor had sent a message informing Quinton that he would be waiting in the private park east of Keirestine Palace at sunset. Quinton’s first instinct had been to ignore the message. However, curiosity won out in the end. “All this drama had better be worth it.”

Lont, Finance Guild Master, was unimpressive in every way. He was not tall, nor did he have attractive features. And worst of all, his guild was a bunch of self-absorbed bankers who allowed themselves to believe they were much more important than they were in reality.

Looking around as if he feared an ambush, Lont appeared more timid than usual. The leafy trees surrounding them filtered what little sunlight remained. If he didn’t find his tongue soon, they’d be standing in darkness. Quinton was about to prompt him again, when Lont finally spoke.

“Thank you for coming, sire.” His voice was thin and hesitant, much like the man himself.

“The royal coffers are full, so I’m not sure why I’m here.” It was a lie. The royal coffers were in desperate need of attention, but Quinton had more pressing enemies to vanquish before he worried about his finances. Garin Nox and his band of battle born riffraff were driving Quinton crazy. He dug the toe of his shoe into the moist ground, already bored with the conversation. His personal guard accompanied him wherever he went, so he was in no danger from this overblown accountant. At present, they were scattered through the trees, watching Lont for any hint of aggression.

“Are you aware that Letos has been named interim master for the Integration Guild?”

He hadn’t heard, but he wasn’t surprised. Letos was clever and ambitious, a logical choice to fill the vacancy. “I’m aware of everything that happens on this planet.”

A smug smile warned Quinton that Lont knew it was kaunashit. “Then you’re aware of the meeting that took place yesterday? Actually, the negotiations began several days before that.”

“What negotiations?” Anger propelled the question out before Quinton could stop it. He’d suspected the guild masters were plotting against him. The real question was, what did Lont gain by warning him?