Alien Lover (Zerconian Warriors Book 2) (8 page)

“I do not like this. I told Dex I would protect you.”

“Giz and Boris will be with me.”

“That is supposed to reassure me?”

“Look, you can’t be my bodyguard. You’re not exactly inconspicuous. As soon as Targos spots you, he’ll know who you are. He doesn’t know Dex has a mate. He won’t know who I am. I’ll tell him that Boris is a servant and Giz is a pet. Perfect.”

“I am supposed to leave your protection to a small, lazy creature that spends all his time eating and sleeping and a mute, one-armed male that we don’t know the first thing about. That is not a sound plan. Zoey, it is not happening. I am done arguing about this.”

Koran turned and walked to the door.

“You’ll change your mind when Dex doesn’t return. I give you forty-eight hours.”

Koran stormed out of the room.

“Stubborn, arrogant barbarian.” Zoey paced up and down the room. “Why won’t he even listen to me? This will work.”

She knew Koran was stuck between a rock and a hard place. He was just doing his job and she should cut him some slack. But the idea of losing Dex filled her with such horror that she knew she had to do whatever she could to make Koran listen to her.

Giz bounded over, snuggling in against her. Placing her hand on his head, she gave him a scratch behind the ears. “Don’t you listen to him, Giz. You’re not lazy. You just like to relax.”

Giz stared up at her, and she swore he smiled. “You believe in me, don’t you?”

He bounced up and down, making a snuffling noise. She was going to take that as a yes. Zoey looked over at the corner of the room as Boris stepped forward, out of the shadows. “What about you, Boris? You with me?”

Boris gave her one slow nod.

“Good. Now we just have to wait. If Koran doesn’t see sense then we’ll just have to figure out a Plan B. Either way, I am getting Dex out of there.”

***

Koran actually returned far quicker than she’d guessed. Two hours later, he stormed into the room. Immediately, her guard stood at attention.

“Changed your mind so soon?” she asked sweetly.

“I just received some information from a source on Edreinia.”

She frowned. “Not the same source that Dex used?” She’d been thinking it over. Dex and his warriors weren’t stupid. They knew what they were doing, so how had they been captured?

Someone had to have betrayed them.

“No.” Koran scowled. “I have been unable to reach Zacharian. I don’t like it.”

“You think he betrayed them?”

“Yes, I do.”

“What did your source say?” she asked.

Koran’s face was grim. The first clear sign of worry she’d seen from him. It made her stomach churn. “Koran? You’re scaring me. What is it?”

“Targos plans to kill Dex the day after tomorrow at noon.”

“What?” She leaped to her feet in a panic. “That’s before the deadline. Why would he do that?”

“I do not know. It makes little sense to kill Dex before the deadline.”

“Unless his plan was to murder Dex all along,” she surmised. “If so, why the pretense? Why not just kill him straight away?”

“According to my source, he is planning a big ceremony. Followed by food and a party.”

“He’s making a freakin’ celebration out of murdering my mate!” Fury erupted inside her. Oh, this guy was so dead. She’d murder him herself if she had to.

“I do not understand why he would do this when he must know that Zerconia would retaliate.”

“Why didn’t you guys attack him after he basically stole the planet from Dante?”

“Because we could not prove there was any wrongdoing. Targos has always wanted what his cousin had. He is not right in the head. My source reported that there has been a large flux of visitors over the last two days. He guesses that they are here to view the, umm, well…” he broke off awkwardly.

“The murder of my mate,” she said grimly. “You can say it. I’m not going to fall apart.”

“No,” he agreed. Was there a hint of admiration in his voice? Probably not.

“Do you think your source is telling the truth?”

“I cannot be a hundred percent certain they tell the truth,” Koran allowed. “Which is why I trust no one except our own.”

“What about me?” she asked, hurt.

He stared at her incredulously. “You are one of us.”

“Oh.” Despite the circumstances, she found herself grinning. “So, are you willing to go along with my plan now?”

Koran sighed. “It seems I have no choice.”

Not exactly a glowing endorsement, but she’d take it.

“I am not certain he should go with you, though.” Koran scowled at Boris.

“Boris isn’t going to hurt me. He’s just as protective as Dex is. Now, we have bigger fish to fry, where are we going to get a spaceship from?”

“There are more important things to attend to than cooking, Zoey,” he said disapprovingly.

“Why me?” she asked, shaking her head.

“I cannot believe that someone as delicate and fragile as you would travel all this way with just a pet and a deformed servant.” Targos dismissed Boris and Giz with barely a glance, his focus entirely on her as he sat on the sofa next to her.

They were in the most opulent sitting room she’d ever seen. She was pretty sure the picture frames were all made of gold. Marble columns flanked the wide door. The floors and walls were also a rich marble.

Being a sick bastard really must pay well.

Her creep-o-meter dinged loudly. This guy made her skin crawl. Sure, he might be considered attractive. If you liked slick and slimy. She was pretty certain he’d already undressed her in his mind. His gaze never rose far from her breasts. Although, to be fair, they were on display in the outfit she was wearing.

The closest populated planet to Edreinia had been a five-hour journey away. They’d quickly made their way there, purchased a small spaceship that would be appropriate for someone of Zoey’s claimed wealth to be traveling in, along with an acceptable wardrobe, and sped back to Edreinia.

She’d been a bundle of nerves as she’d waited for Targos to answer her request to land. If he had refused, then they would have to come up with some other plan to rescue Dex.

Luckily, he had given permission to land. And his guards hadn’t bothered to search her ship. A foolish move. But then, she was starting to believe that Targos was all foam, no beer. He seemed to be driven by his impulses and wants rather than common sense.

Koran and the three warriors he’d brought with him were going to wait until the coast was clear to leave the ship and make their way to the dungeons under the palace.

As soon as Koran had agreed to her plan, he’d sent a message through to Dante asking for help. Dante’s reply had come back just in time with directions to the dungeons under the palace where he thought Targos would be keeping Dex.

To his credit he had offered himself up in exchange for Dex. But even if there was enough time to get him here, they wouldn’t swap Dante for Dex.

Zoey gulped, hoping her face didn’t display her fear. Or her anger.

Targos had been waiting for her when she landed. She’d been prepared for that. After all, he’d want to make certain she was exactly who she said she was.

A rich, bored widow with money to spend and certain tastes that couldn’t be met elsewhere.

Koran had explained the sorts of entertainment Targos offered his guests, not wanting her to be shocked. After all, she was supposed to be jaded. To have seen it all. She was looking for something unique.

Targos certainly offered that. Unique and sick. He was rumored to have dozens of beings from other planets held in his dungeons, which he released into the wild for his guests to hunt down.

He had also built a huge stadium, which they’d passed on their trip to the palace, where he held fights to the death. She couldn’t believe there were people out there who enjoyed watching others suffer.

“Ms. Igler?” he questioned, his gaze taking on a suspicious look. It took her a moment to remember she was using her mother’s maiden name instead of her own.

“I am sorry, what did you say?”

“I asked where you purchased the lanana from? They are very rare and expensive.”

Giz. He had to be talking about Giz. That was the same thing the troll had called him.

“Actually, he sort of found me.” Rare? Expensive?

“Really? Would you consider selling him?”

She really didn’t like the look in his eyes. Greed. Hunger. She’d have to get Boris to keep a close eye on Giz.

“I couldn’t. Sorry. The arena you built is very impressive,” she said, quickly changing the subject. “Do you have any fights coming up?”

“I do. Tomorrow in fact.”

Is that what he had planned for Dex? A fight to the death in the arena?

“Really? Will it be a good fight? One that I might be interested in attending?”

“Enjoy a good blood bath, do you?” He sidled close and she could smell the peppermint on his breath. Oh God, she’d never be able to smell mint again without gagging.

He ran a finger down the side of her face.

Shit, she hoped Boris remembered his role. Unless she was in immediate danger, he had to play the role of a passive servant. She couldn’t afford his protective instincts to ruin this charade for her.

“So tell me, how did you find out about my little games?”

This was a tricky area. “My late husband’s cousin used to attend your games. When he was alive.”

They’d had to rely on Koran’s source for the alibi. This could all go pear-shaped if his source had lied to them.

“Really, who?”

“Srion Malene.”

He frowned. Oh God, had Koran’s source fed her incorrect information? Was she going to end up the victim in one of Targos’ sick games?

“Yes, I do remember him. Large fellow. Had a wart on his chin.”

She tipped her head to one side. “Actually, he was a slim built man with long hair, and I don’t remember a wart.”

Thank God she’d been given a description. Targos’ expression lightened. “Forgive me for being suspicious, my dear. But you can never be too careful in my line of work.”

“You must get a large number of people who are jealous of your success,” she replied with what she hoped was a simpering smile.

“And those who think that what we do here is immoral and wrong.”

That’s because it is, you sick bastard.

“Fools.” She laughed and placed a light hand on his thigh.
Don’t overplay your hand, Zoey.
“So tell me, what is your favorite pastime here?”

“Well, I like a good hand of poker. But I am also fond of the arena.”

“Yes, nothing like a fight to the death to get the heart pumping,” she agreed, licking her lips. “You said you have a big fight coming up tomorrow?”

“Yes, I do. I insist you come as my guest.”

“Oh, I can think of nothing I would like more. What delights do you have on offer?”

“A male pinqu beast in his prime.” A pinqu beast? She’d heard of them. They were wild, untamable, strong, and deadly. Its skin actually formed a protective armor that made it nearly impossible to kill.

“And a Zerconian warrior.” His voice was smug, filled with enjoyment.

Oh God. Dex. Zoey hoped he read her fear as shock. “Really? A Zerconian warrior? However did you manage that?”

“It’s not hard when you are as intelligent and resourceful as I am.”

Asshole. Bastard. Cock-sucking asshole bastard. Oh, she’d love to wipe that smug look off his face.

“I just knew I was going to enjoy myself,” she managed to say instead. “I have heard those Zerconian warriors are skilled fighters. Are you not worried about retaliation?”

He waved his hand in the air. “If I were worried by that, I could not be in this business. I have more weapons at my disposal than my ten closest neighbors put together. I am sure you have noticed my excellent security. I have over two thousand trained fighters at my disposal. No, I am not worried.” He chuckled. “I am looking forward to that particular Zerconian’s death.”

“Really? It’s personal, then?”

“You could say that. He gave someone I despise sanctuary. He went against me. There is also the added bonus that once he is dead, that person will be blamed and stripped of his protection and then he shall be mine.”

Dear God, he really was a bit crazy. He wanted to kill Dex for giving Dante sanctuary and at the same time, he wanted Dex’s family to turn on Dante because of Dex’s death.

It was scary the way his mind worked.

And she had noticed the guards. They were big, brutish men who looked hard and dangerous.

There was a knock on the door just as Targos leaned in closer, his gaze still on her largely bare breasts. Koran had a fit when he’d seen what she planned to wear. But she knew she had to get Targos’ attention, and this was the easiest way to do it.

Putting her boobs on display was a small price to pay for Dex’s freedom. All she had to do was keep Targos entertained so he wasn’t tempted to check up on his prisoners. With a large number of guests arriving, he’d hopefully be kept very busy.

“Yes?” he called out impatiently.

The door opened, and a short, frightened-looking man stepped in. “Sir, the Sultan of Paraoia is demanding to see you.”

“Ah, yes.” He looked over at her regretfully. “Duty calls, my dear.”

“I understand.”

“Kristo will show you to your rooms. I hope you find them acceptable.”

“I know who to complain to if they’re not.”

A flash of temper crossed his face, and she froze. Had she made a mistake?

Suddenly, he threw his head back and laughed. “Quite right, my dear. And remember, I am at your service. Day or night.” The suggestive look on his face made her feel queasy.

Standing, he bent and held out his hand. Hoping her reluctance didn’t show, Zoey raised her hand for him. He kissed the back of it. She shuddered in revulsion as he licked the back of her hand, his tongue like sandpaper.

Luckily, he seemed to take it as a shiver of appreciation.

Zoey let out a relieved sigh as he left. Before meeting Targos she’d been certain she could pull this charade off. But if Koran didn’t find Dex quickly then she had a feeling she was going to be in a whole heap of trouble.

***

“Psst.”

Dex frowned, grumbling as he was pulled from his deep slumber. He wanted to sleep. Another noise had him opening his eyes and blinking sleepily. He glanced around, taking stock of his surroundings. Where was he?

Targos. Dungeons. Drugs. Betrayal.

Stars, what was wrong with him? Surely the drug must be leaving his system by now, and yet he felt just as lethargic as before.

“Psst.”

“Who the hell is that?” Thor grumbled, stirring beside him. At least he wasn’t the only one having problems staying awake.

“Your Royal Highness? Can you hear me?”

“Zacharian,” Jaxan yelled. “You ba—”

“Please be quiet,” Zacharian interrupted. He sounded desperate. Scared. “You’ll alert them to my presence.”

“You are working with him,” Dex snarled. “You betrayed us.”

“No,” he denied. “I had to help him. I had no choice. He would have killed my family.”

“We would have helped you,” Thor stated.

“I couldn’t take that risk, sir. I am sorry.”

“Why are you here?” Jaxan asked sourly. “Have you come to gloat about our imprisonment?”

“Of course not. I am here to help you escape.”

Now that was unexpected.

“How?” Dex asked. “We have been drugged. It appears to affect us still. We can barely move.”

“They have been pumping a drug into the airways,” Zacharian explained. “I have turned it off. You should start to feel better soon.”

But how long did they have before Targos returned?

“Before I help you escape, I need your promise.”

Jaxan snorted.

“What is it?” Dex asked, sending the younger warrior a quelling look.

“My people need your help to free our planet from the tyrant Targos. He has grown worse over time. He is holding us all hostage here. The slightest upset and he throws my people in jail to be used in his hunts or fights or to be forgotten about until they rot away. He has hired mercenaries who act as judge and jury. Please, we need your help.”

He hadn’t realized things were so bad. Provided Zacharian was telling the truth then he would help him. “I will help you. You have my word.”

“Dex,” Thor whispered warningly, but Dex just shook his head. He pushed himself up so he was standing. Although he still swayed with weakness, he already felt stronger. More like himself again.

It was a large promise for him to make, but he meant it.

“Thank you. Thank you. I will be back shortly to unlock the door. I need to give you time to regain your strength.”

“Be careful,” Dex warned.

“I will be, Your Royal Highness.”

***

Zoey turned on the shower in the bathroom. The guest quarters Targos had provided were just as over-the-top opulent as the rest of the palace. The bathroom floor and walls were marble. Tall, marble columns flanked the deep bath that looked big enough to hold four bodies at a time.

The carpet in the other rooms was so deep she almost sunk into it. Huge windows looked out onto the rich forest below and the four-poster bed was covered in rich bed covers.

Sickening, really, when she saw how thin and worn the servants looked.

The small male who had shown her to her rooms had been so polite and gentle. These people didn’t deserve a tyrant like Targos.

Zoey pulled off her dress. Boris had examined the sitting room, bedroom, and bathroom, looking for surveillance devices, she presumed. After he had finished, he’d given her a nod, subtly pointing at a lamp in the bedroom then a piece of artwork on the wall in the sitting room. So she assumed there was either a camera or listening device in each place. Best to leave them there and pretend they hadn’t spotted them.