Claimed by the Warrior Read online

  Claimed by the Warrior

  Savannah Stuart

  Claimed by the Warrior

  Copyright © 2015 by Savannah Stuart

  Cover art and design by Sweet ‘N Spicy Designs

  Copyediting by JRT Editing

  Digital Formatting by Author E.M.S.

  * * *

  This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental. All rights reserved. With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the author.

  Also, thank you for not sharing your copy of this book. This purchase allows you one legal copy for your own personal reading enjoyment on your personal computer or device. You do not have the right to resell, distribute, print or transfer this book, in whole or in part, to anyone, in any format, via methods either currently known or yet to be invented, or upload this book to a file sharing program. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. Thank you for respecting the author’s work.

  ISBN-13: 9781942447313

  Prologue

  Planet Lumineta, 2237

  Aeron slid his arms around his mate from behind where she stood at the stove. He settled his hands across her slightly protruding stomach. She was five moon cycles along and he didn’t like her doing anything other than resting—which unfortunately seemed to annoy her.

  Human females were too independent sometimes.

  He settled his chin on top of her head. “Something smells good.”

  “I’m trying to make suklaada cake by myself.” She leaned her head back against his chest and let out a sigh. “I’ve missed you.”

  Alarm punched through him at her wistful tone. Had he and his brother been gone too long today? “Hauk and I will change our work schedule so that—”

  “No! You don’t need to change anything,” she said as she turned in his embrace. Smiling up at him, she wrapped her arms around his waist. “I always miss you.”

  “You are certain?” He tucked a loose strand of vibrant red hair behind her ear.

  Rolling her eyes, she stepped away from him and pulled a bowl of…something dark and semi-creamy from the cooler. The texture looked rubbery. She started to smooth it onto the cake. He’d had suklaada cake many times before and that wasn’t what the icing normally looked like. He held his tongue and grabbed a container of water from the cooler. “Hauk should be home soon. One of his classes went late.”

  “Is Finn coming with him?” She shot him a glance over her shoulder.

  Brianna wasn’t Finn’s biological mother but since she’d mated with Aeron and Hauk almost a solar cycle ago, she’d considered their boy her own—and she didn’t like that Finn had recently gone into Samio training when he turned ten. But that was just the way things were on Lumineta.

  Aeron nodded and smiled as he sat at the center island. “Of course. He misses you. How was work today?”

  “Pretty good. I feel guilty but I left earlier than normal. I was starting to cramp and really just needed sleep I think.”

  That familiar punch of alarm slid through him, but he forced it back. Brianna had told him and his brother over and over that they couldn’t freak out—her words—over everything to do with her pregnancy. It was hard though. Like the few human females on their planet, she was small and more fragile than Luminet females. And she was more petite than most humans he’d seen. “Perhaps you should put your feet up?”

  “I will when I’m done with this.” The tone in her voice told him not to argue.

  He resisted the urge to insist she rest. “Did you call the healer?”

  “I did.” When he didn’t ask more she lifted an eyebrow. “That’s it? No questions?”

  “I trust my mate to inform me if there’s something I need to know.” Even if it went against all his warrior instincts to demand answers and to demand that she quit her job and stay home. It wouldn’t make her happy and he knew it was simply a protective thing anyway. He had no desire to annoy or stifle his mate. She might be small in stature but her temper was that of a full-grown Luminet warrior sometimes.

  She snorted and went back to the cake. As she smoothed on the last of the icing, she frowned. “It doesn’t really look like suklaada cake, does it?”

  No, but he wasn’t going to admit that. “Looks good to me. Did you ever talk to your supervisor about your day trip to visit the mountain clan?”

  Her lips pulled into a thin line. “No, but you don’t have to worry about escorting me. Leilani was making a trip there this afternoon to go over the last minute plans for the—”

  Aeron slid off his seat. “By herself?”

  Brianna must have picked up on his tension because the previous annoyance at his over-protectiveness slid away. “Yes. She’s been working with their clan leader via email over the last moon cycle, so when she offered I thought she’d be the best fit since she already has a rapport with him. And I really didn’t want to make the trip. The transport platforms make me nauseous now. From your expression, I’m guessing that I made a mistake though?”

  “No, it’s… The males there are more primitive than here.” He pulled out his communicator as he answered her.

  She blinked at him as if he’d lost his mind. “More primitive?”

  He didn’t want to frighten his mate so he nodded. “It’s nothing to worry about, but I need to take a trip there. I’ve sent a message to Hauk. He’ll be home soon, but I must go now.” Leilani was probably fine. Human females were different than Luminet females so the mountain clan likely respected that. And if she already had a relationship with the clan leader then he would keep watch over her. Aeron hoped.

  “Should I contact someone?” Raw fear colored Brianna’s question.

  Aeron shook his head, cursing himself for worrying her. Gently he took her face between his palms and brushed his lips over hers. “Everything’s fine. I’m just going to take a quick trip there and check on her. I’ll have my communicator on me.”

  To his surprise Brianna didn’t pepper him with questions as he stepped onto their in-house transport platform system. Which meant she was worried about her friend and wanted him to get to Leilani as soon as possible. And that was exactly what he planned to do.

  Chapter 1

  Leilani stepped off the transport platform, her carrycase in hand, and fought a shiver. It didn’t matter how many times she traveled via the platforms, she always got chills. And it still stunned her to be able to travel somewhere on the planet within seconds.

  Another chill snaked through her as she stepped off the raised platform onto the stone floor. It had nothing to do with her travels, but the huge stone enclosure itself. She hadn’t thought to bring a coat since she hadn’t planned to go outdoors. Down on the mainland it was warm and sunny most of the solar cycle. Apparently it didn’t matter because it was still chilly inside here.

  Eyes wide, she looked up at the interior of the stone dome that seemed to stretch up, up, up until it grew so dark she couldn’t see the top. Blinking lights dotted along the walls in various patterns. It took her a moment to realize the lights outlined elevator patterns.

  “Leilani?”

  She nearly jumped at the male voice, and turned to find two warriors wearing similar clothing to the ones who lived down the mountain: simple brown tunics and dark trousers. They each had pulse weapons strapped to their hips. The only difference was the footwear. These males had on boots with some sort o
f fur and crosshatches of leather that strapped up around their calves. Their very massive ones. Holy… She’d thought the males she knew were huge. These two looked like Viking throwbacks she’d read about in books and seen in museums before her former planet started dying.

  She cleared her throat. “Yes.”

  “Con told us we were to escort you to the meeting,” the first said, his voice as stiff as his posture. He had blond hair with reddish streaks running through it, much like the male next to him. He looked to be in his late-twenties, whereas the other was possibly a few years younger. And they were definitely brothers or somehow related considering their facial similarities.

  She glanced around the spacious open area of the dome and couldn’t imagine where these two had even come from. Talk about stealthy. There were huge torches lit sporadically throughout the area; the sight of them was a little primitive. “He mentioned that in our last transmission. Are you Brandt or Daan?”

  The older male’s posture relaxed just a fraction. “Brandt.”

  “I’m Daan,” the other said, sticking his hand out, as if to shake hers. Brandt jabbed his brother in the side with his elbow and gave him a sharp, reprimanding look.

  Now that stiff posture was back when Brandt turned to her. “I apologize for my younger brother.”

  “Humans shake hands in greeting,” Daan muttered.

  “It’s true,” she said, feeling bad for him. “We do.”

  “Truly?” Brandt asked before his brother could respond. “Even females shake hands with males? Your mates do not mind?”

  She blinked at the odd question. “Am I the first human you’ve ever met?” There was still so much about this planet she didn’t understand, but as far as she knew there weren’t any humans living in the mountain regions. Still, they could have met humans before.

  They both shifted uncomfortably on their feet but the youngest nodded. “Yes. We were told they were beautiful, but I did not believe the rumors until now.”

  His brother tightened his jaw, as if annoyed with Daan. And Daan’s face flushed a pale shade of red.

  Leilani bit back a smile, guessing it might embarrass the male. She’d heard enough lines to know this warrior was being utterly sincere, if a little awkward. “Thank you… Should I head to meet Con? I don’t want to be late.” She’d come to meet with Con, their leader, regarding the most recent architectural plans her firm had submitted. She’d never been this far north and was excited to see more of the area, especially since she’d worked on some of their most recent designs.

  “Yes, but…” Daan started before his brother elbowed him.

  “Do not upset her,” Brandt growled.

  Upset me? Leilani wanted to ask him what he meant but he abruptly turned. “This way.” He practically barked so she fell in step beside him.

  He and his brother flanked her as they strode across the open space. Her sandals made soft snapping sounds against the stone floor. When they came to the wall she wondered what they were doing until a large door flickered into view. The image of the stone wall fell away to reveal the elevator door and a biometric scanner. It must be camouflaged until the sensors picked up movement. She’d seen similar elevators like this. It was a security thing; in case they were breached, invaders would have a difficult time infiltrating their refuge.

  Brandt held his hand over the scanner and the door whooshed open immediately.

  Silently, they all stepped inside. She was aware of Daan looking at her so she glanced at him. He looked away, his cheeks flushed as he stared straight ahead.

  She wanted to make conversation with them but they both stood stock still as the elevator pitched upward. They were so quiet she wasn’t even certain if they were breathing. The elevator moved so fast she reached out for Daan’s arm without thinking. When she made contact he stared down at her as if she’d burned him.

  “Sorry,” she muttered, feeling even more awkward as she drew her hand away. She hoped not all the mountain warriors were this ‘friendly’.

  Moments later they stepped out into a corridor, this one lined with glass windows that showcased the snowy mountain range. “It’s beautiful.” She walked to one of the windows and placed her hand against it. The glass was thick, but she could still feel the cold. Yeah, she definitely should have dressed warmer. She’d worn a typical, flowing shift dress that pulled together right under her breasts and hooked at both her shoulders with dragon pins. The pins had been a gift from her friend Saroya and she loved them.

  “It is very cold outside,” Daan said, something like concern in his voice.

  Well, yeah, since it was snowing, she figured that.

  Leilani looked away from the window and smiled at him, not sure how to respond to his obvious statement. She fell in step with the two males again. As they walked farther down the long corridor, concern swelled inside her as Daan looked down at her again. When she tried to make eye contact with him, he jerked his gaze away. Again.

  Okay, this was ridiculous. She came to a complete halt. “Is something wrong?” she finally asked, looking between the two of them.

  “No,” Brandt bit out. He crossed his arms over his chest. Even his forearms were massive.

  “Yes,” Daan said at the same time. “We have to walk through an uncovered walkway to reach the other mountain and it is snowing. You are not dressed properly.”

  “Is that why you’ve been acting so weird?” she blurted before she could rein in her big mouth.

  Daan frowned. “We are acting weird?”

  “Just you are,” Brandt said to his brother.

  “No, neither of you are. I don’t know why I said that.” She let out a self-deprecating laugh. “I’m just nervous to be here, I think. Is that what you didn’t want to talk about earlier?” she asked Brandt.

  He shifted uncomfortably, his blue eyes seeming to darken as he looked to his brother. The way he looked at Daan for support surprised Leilani given the way he’d reprimanded his brother more than once. Not to mention the age difference.

  “My brother thought talking about your choice of clothing would upset you,” Daan said. “We know humans are delicate creatures and he did not wish to make you cry. Especially since you are traveling without your mates.”

  She blinked, digesting his words. Laughter bubbled up but she managed to keep it locked down. Mostly. A giggle escaped before she caught it. These males must have truly never met any humans. She wasn’t certain why they assumed she was mated either. “You thought I’d start crying if you told me it’s cold outside and I might get chilled?”

  He just shifted again, his jaw tightening as he looked at Daan once again. Brandt looked almost panicked now. Oh, sweet goddess, did he think she was going to lay on the waterworks?

  Before either of them could respond, she continued. “Who told you that humans are ‘delicate creatures’?” She’d like to show them just how delicate she was. Sure, their bone density was different from those on Lumineta and they were more susceptible to some diseases, but she’d survived the insanity of her dying planet and traveled millions of miles to a new solar system—with aliens—without freaking crying or breaking down. She resisted the urge to roll her eyes.

  Daan cleared his throat, possibly picking up on her annoyance. “No one, exactly. It’s just…a rumor.”

  “What other rumors have you heard?”

  “That human females are irrational, do not understand battle logic—”

  “Shut the fuck up,” Brandt snapped, watching her warily.

  Okay now she was just getting pissed off. “Basically you think I’m a beautiful, delicate creature with no common sense and I can’t think my way out of a paper bag.” She didn’t give either of them a chance to respond as she continued. “Well this silly human female helped design a good portion of your new refuge’s lodging defense—with my irrational human mind!”

  Daan’s face paled and he took a step back. Actually, retreated from her. The male had to be about six feet five inches and she was a fo
ot shorter. What did he think she was going to do to him? Cry on him until he submitted to her irrational human demands?

  Brandt glared at his brother. “This is why you shouldn’t open your mouth.” His expression softened with what almost looked like apology as he turned to her again. “We only have a few more corridors to walk through. When we reach the overpass I will…carry you, if this is acceptable?”

  Her first instinct was to say she’d be fine, but she’d seen the snow coming down outside. “If the snow is too thick then that will be acceptable. Thank you,” she tacked on. Still annoyed, she turned away from them, only walking when they did. The walk down the corridor was now truly awkward. She felt a little bad for snapping at Daan but she hated being called irrational. It was such a male thing to say. If a female doesn’t agree with you she must be irrational or a bitch or whatever.

  They turned along another corridor, this one with a similar outlay of windows but at the end of it she saw glass doors. Sure enough there was snow covering the outdoor walkway. Though she couldn’t actually tell from just looking, something told her the wind was biting this high up.

  “How cold is it out there?” she asked Brandt. She’d seen snow on the vid screen before but never actually in person.

  His gaze flicked down to her shift, pausing briefly at the V-dip between her breasts before he hurriedly faced forward again. “Very. Someone should have informed you how to dress. This is unacceptable.”

  “Well, it’s not really her fault. I don’t think she knew either. My coworker Brianna was supposed to come here with one of her mates but she’s pregnant and wasn’t feeling well so I volunteered.” Leilani knew this project inside and out, so giving a presentation would be simple.

  “It does not matter. Con should have informed her and she should have informed you.” His frown deepened as they reached the doors. “And your mates should have accompanied you.” The last part was said with pure derision.