Claimed by the Warrior Read online

  “Of course, my apologies. I’m Einar.” The other male smiled pleasantly, but it didn’t reach his eyes.

  “What do you want? I am busy,” Con said. With any other warrior he wouldn’t have been so brusque but he wanted Einar gone.

  Next to him Leilani jolted slightly. Perhaps because of his rude tone. She stepped closer to him though, her fingers tightening a fraction. A raw, protective instinct surged through him. He wanted to tug her closer and wrap his arm around her shoulders. Her scent was exotic and sweet, so similar to the rare, bright purple arilod flowers found only in the mountain regions. For some reason, unknown even to their scientists, the flowers only flourished in the cold.

  Einar’s mouth pulled into a thin line. “There is a problem with the construction in sector C. I came to report it to you.”

  The male could have simply contacted him on his communicator, something they both knew. No doubt Einar wanted to see Leilani. Not that Con could blame the male for that. But another delay gave Con an official reason to release Einar from this sector. Perhaps the goddess had smiled on him today.

  “Leilani, will you excuse us?” He needed to speak to Einar privately and even though the male’s mere presence angered him, Con would not embarrass him in front of another.

  She glanced at him, her dark eyes questioning. The trace of worry in them, as if she didn’t want to leave him alone, surprised him. Perhaps she was worried about him? The concept was ridiculous as he could take care of himself, but the thought that she cared was appealing. He nodded once and she strode from the room. It took all his restraint not to watch the soft sway of her ass in those pants. Purchasing them had been a brilliant choice. He needed to buy her more.

  Shelving those thoughts, he focused on Einar. “Effective immediately, Ruari is replacing you as supervisor in sector C. You can remain on the construction squad, return to the Samio or request to move to another sector. I will grant any transfer request.”

  Einar’s expression morphed to one of rage. Con had known this would shock the male, but he was done dealing with him. Einar had transferred here six moon cycles ago and since almost day one he had been a problem. Now Con understood why his former leader had allowed the male to transfer. His file and records were exemplary—the male was quite skilled as a warrior and had a head for construction—but he was too power hungry and did not care about his warrior brethren. If Con had to guess, the male was behind the construction delays in an attempt to make Con look inept. In reality Einar had only hurt himself, because regardless, this delay had sealed his fate.

  His entire body stiffened and for one moment Einar looked as if he might draw his pulse weapon. “You’re relieving me of my duty?”

  “The delays in sector C have become too extensive and we cannot afford any more. It is almost a full moon cycle behind the other sectors.” He would not give any other excuse or reason. Einar knew why he was being relieved and nothing would change Con’s mind. Something the male was aware of. “Let me know your decision in a week. If you cannot decide I will place you. Dismissed.” Con jerked his chin toward the entryway. He would follow the male out because the most primitive part of him did not trust this male at his back.

  Instead of leaving, the male dragged in a sharp breath. “You cannot even convince a weak human female to give you updated files, yet you’re letting me go?”

  The insult against Leilani scraped at Con’s nerves, but he didn’t let it show. He didn’t want this male to see that she mattered to him. It might make her a target. “I have all necessary plans as of two hours ago. And I have changed my mind, you will be transferring. Give me your destination location in a week.” Because he needed this male gone for more than simply work reasons.

  Jaw clenched tight, Einar turned on his heel and strode from the room. Con was right behind him, not willing to let him near Leilani. As they exited the hallway he was surprised to see both Cyn and Ruari flanking Leilani in the living area.

  The two males must have known Einar was coming here. He nodded once at his brother, who understood what he wanted.

  Cyn stepped forward. Though a solar cycle younger than him, his brother was strong and capable and if anything happened to Con, he knew his brother could easily take over as leader. “Escort him to his quarters,” Con said to his brother.

  Einar jerked to a halt, his eyes blazing murder as he turned to glare at the two of them. Con kept his expression neutral, knowing it would anger the male more than any show of emotion. Einar’s hands balled into fists, but after glancing between Con and Cyn, he stormed from the residence.

  As Cyn followed, Con turned toward Leilani and Ruari. Though he hated to leave her in the protection of another male, he did trust Ruari to keep her safe. “You are now in charge of sector C. I need to change the passcodes and revoke Einar’s access to everything. Take Leilani back to my quarters and meet me in your sector. We have much to discuss.”

  Ruari nodded in agreement. He didn’t appear surprised by the change. Everyone had been waiting for Einar to be dismissed. Nothing else needed to be said.

  Con turned to Leilani. He felt awkward, unsure what to say. “I will see you this evening.” The words came out harsher than he’d intended, but she gave him a soft smile and nodded.

  Knowing that he would have some private time with her in the coming hours made leaving her bearable. He wondered if she would be counting down until she got to see him, the way he would be doing.

  Chapter 5

  “So who was that male?” Leilani asked Ruari as he escorted her down another corridor. The walls were partially stone, partially fabricated material.

  “An asshole.”

  “I gathered that. What was his deal though?” She didn’t want to see that male again.

  He shot her a confused look. “Why do you wish to know?”

  “Because I’m curious. That male gave me the super creeps.” There had been something off in his pale blue eyes. She’d immediately known he hadn’t liked her, but she was pretty certain it wasn’t her specifically. He probably didn’t like females. Which seemed strange considering the other males here were desperate for one.

  Ruari’s brow furrowed. “That is bad?”

  “Uh, yeah. Are you sure Cyn doesn’t need backup or something?” The way Con had ordered his brother to escort the guy to his living quarters had been a huge slap in the face to that male. Even she’d realized how insulting it was. The male had looked almost murderous.

  “He is a capable male. Con would not have sent him if he didn’t trust his fighting abilities… You care what happens to Cyn?” The look in his eyes was more than simple curiosity now as they reached an elevator.

  “Well, yes. Of course. I don’t want anyone to get hurt.” She figured he was capable, but still, it was hard not to worry.

  “Warriors do not need females to worry about them.” His voice was as stiff as his posture when they stepped into the elevator.

  She snorted. “If you ever plan to get mated you better get used to a female worrying about you.”

  He didn’t respond as the elevator came to a halt. They stepped out into another corridor and she realized they were on the correct floor for Cyn and Con’s residence. She’d noticed there weren’t many homes in this sector and liked how peaceful it was. “Do higher ranking warriors live along here?” she asked.

  “Yes, the living quarters here are coveted because of the extra space and views.” He nodded and motioned to the left as they came to the end of the corridor.

  As they rounded the corner, they nearly ran into Daan.

  “Leilani, I was hoping to speak to you.”

  She hid a wince. The only male she’d wanted to spend time with was understandably busy. And since this male seemed to think females were stupid, she didn’t want to waste her time around him.

  Before she could respond, Ruari stepped forward, his stance aggressive. “I’ve been tasked with escorting her to our leader’s residence. We all know she doesn’t wish to speak to you. Do n
ot further embarrass yourself.”

  “I would like to apologize for my behavior on your first day.” Daan ignored Ruari as he spoke to her, though he didn’t step any closer. “It was inexcusable.”

  She watched him for a long moment. Despite his bulk and height, he was almost boyishly earnest. “Are you sorry for declaring a Ducereco?”

  He paused, then shook his head. “No.”

  At least he was honest. “Okay, apology accepted then.”

  “Would you allow me to give you a tour of the various sectors here?” he continued, so hopeful it was difficult not to smile. This male would have no problem finding a female.

  Ruari started to decline for her, but she shook her head at him. She didn’t need anyone to speak for her and the truth was, she was wildly curious about the entire place. It was clear Con was too busy so she decided to take the opportunity. “You realize that I have no intention of ever mating with you?”

  Daan nodded. “I know.”

  “So if you give me a tour and I’m friendly, I’m not flirting or declaring any intention to mate.” Spelling it out clearly seemed to be the best course of action.

  Ruari snickered but Daan nodded again. “I know that as well. But…perhaps if you see how nice it is here, you will relay it to your human female friends.”

  She smothered a smile. The male was definitely honest. “Then I accept a tour.”

  “Do you have your communicator with you?” Ruari asked. His frown made it clear he didn’t like the idea but at least he wasn’t attempting to stop her. Despite their insane Ducereco law and that they weren’t apologetic about it, she felt as if that was more in their attitudes than anything else. She had a feeling that their ferociousness, at least where females were concerned, was over-exaggerated on the mainland.

  She nodded and patted the pocket of her fur covering. “Of course.”

  “I don’t believe Con will like you taking this tour but he did not say otherwise so call me or him if you need anything.” He gave Daan a look that threatened bodily harm if anything happened to her. Oh yeah, they were more protective of females than anything else, that much was becoming clear. “Make sure she has everything she needs.”

  “I will.” Daan nodded sharply, as if responding to an officer and she wondered if Ruari was higher in rank. They didn’t wear outward insignias so it was impossible to tell. But Ruari was likely a few solar cycles older, maybe more. He looked to be in his early thirties, the same as Con.

  As Ruari left, she fell in step with Daan and headed down another corridor. She was excited to see more of the sector, but wished she was with Con instead. He was the only one who had actually wanted to help her leave before the stupid declaration of Ducereco and she found him more sincere than anyone else here.

  In the model bathroom earlier, something had sparked between them. Before Einar had arrived she’d thought for sure that Con might kiss her. There had been a gleam of raw hunger in his eyes as he’d covered the distance between them. She’d felt it all the way to her core.

  She definitely would have let him kiss her. She might not want to mate with him and his brother but the thought of not kissing Con seemed so wrong. It wasn’t as if she would be here forever so she needed to take advantage of the time she had.

  * * *

  “Thank you for the tour,” Leilani said to Daan as they reached the front door of Con and Cyn’s home. The corridor in this sector was so quiet compared to the rest of the places she’d been throughout the day. Part of her felt a little guilty that she hadn’t been working but exploring here had been fun.

  It was much bigger than she’d originally imagined. There were floors and floors of various sectors from basically the bottom of the mountain to the top. They even had a little bakery in the food sector. The tiny place was run by a mated female—who Leilani wanted to visit again if she could remember how to get there—and had been packed. No surprise considering the smells coming out of the place. Leilani had been practically drooling by the time she was able to checkout.

  “You are welcome. It was a pleasure.”

  “You’re sure you won’t get in trouble for taking me out most of the day?” A few hours had turned into longer and she knew at one point he’d had to call his supervisor to check in.

  “I won’t. My supervisor was happy to let me give you a tour. He wants more females here. He’s the one who suggested the bakery.”

  She smiled as she started to press the buzzer for Con’s door. Before she did, the door flew open. Con stood there in a loose tunic and pants. No boots. His bright blue eyes seemed darker as his gaze narrowed on Daan. “Leave.” The word was a guttural growl.

  It sent a shiver down her spine. Had Daan done something wrong? Or maybe something else had happened.

  To her surprise, Daan swiveled around military style and left without a word. When Con turned to her, his expression morphed to a mix of concern and…definitely anger. At her? “Are you okay?”

  “Yes. Is Daan in trouble?” She stepped inside with him. When the lock clicked into place it sounded almost ominous.

  “Do you care if he is?” Energy seemed to pulse off Con in harsh waves.

  For some reason she thought the answer was important to him, as if there was some underlying meaning to it. “I don’t want him in trouble.”

  His brow furrowed. “I thought you did not like the male.”

  “I was…very angry the first day. He apologized and gave me a lovely tour. I brought you this.” She held up a small black and white bag with a shiny blue bow laced through the top enclosure. When she’d purchased the pastries she’d told herself it was to thank him for his hospitality but the truth was, she’d just wanted to see him smile.

  His brow furrowed as he looked at the bag. “You bought this for me?”

  She nodded, feeling a little foolish. He was staring at it as if it held an explosive device. She jerked her hand back down to her side. “You don’t have to take it,” she snapped, her words harsher than she’d intended.

  “No, I…did Daan touch you?” His growling tone was very similar to the one he’d used on Daan.

  She nearly got whiplash from the change in topic. “What?”

  “Did that male touch you?” His voice was quieter this time, but no less deadly.

  “If you mean sexually…” She started to say no, but as it fully sank in, his question pissed her off. “How is that even your business? Your stupid law is keeping me here with the sole intent that I find two mates. You don’t get to ask me personal questions like that.”

  “I will ask whatever I wish. I am leader here.” His autocratic tone rankled her.

  Straightening her back, she pasted on a saccharine-sweet smile. “Technically you are correct. You can ask whatever you want, but that doesn’t mean I will answer. I’m not one of your warriors to command.” This wasn’t going at all how she’d planned. This male was so infuriating. She’d planned to ask him about his day, give him the pastries she’d agonized over buying and more importantly, she’d been hoping he might follow through with that kiss he’d been promising with his heated gaze earlier. Apparently she’d been looking forward to the kiss way too much.

  “You should have told me where you were,” he snapped. “I’m in charge of your safety while you’re here.”

  “Ruari trusted Daan. Is there a reason I shouldn’t?” She’d felt perfectly safe all day. There had been a few interested looks from males, but mostly they’d just been curious.

  “No.”

  “Then why are you angry?”

  “Because you didn’t answer your communicator when I contacted you. I was…worried.” He rasped out the last part, as if it was difficult to admit.

  “You called me? I…” She pulled her communicator from her pocket and frowned. Oops. She had ten missed calls. Still, that wasn’t a reason for him to be so angry at her. “It was set to silent mode.” She started to apologize when he cut her off.

  “You will tell me your whereabouts from now on. I m
ust know that you are safe.”

  She blinked at him in shock, unable to force any words out. Taking a step forward, she thrust the pastry bag at his chest. Startled, he took it. Feeling her temper rise like one of the geysers from planet Prioni she’d heard about, she shoved past him. She wasn’t even going to respond to that ridiculous order. Angry and probably disproportionately hurt that he was being such a jerk, she started to move past him when he grasped her upper arm.

  “I…” His fingers loosened, but he didn’t fully let her go. “I am sorry.”

  She turned to face him fully, her chest brushing against him. She had to look up because of their height differences. That masculine scent she couldn’t quite define twined around her again. It made it difficult for her to think straight. The male was so infuriating, telling her what to do and talking to her as if she was one of his men. As if she’d asked to be held captive. But…standing here with him, she wanted to reach up and stroke her hand over his midnight dark hair.

  Even if he seemed prone to giving orders, he wanted to keep her safe. It was hard to forget that. And he’d been so honorable about housing her here and respecting her wishes to keep other warriors away unless she changed her mind.

  Some of the warriors had hair long enough to reach their shoulders, but Con’s was closely cropped along his skull. She wondered if it felt as soft as it looked. Okay, she really wondered what it would look like to have his head buried between her legs.

  She never should have listened to the stories she’d heard about how talented Luminet males were with their tongues. Since meeting Con, she desperately wanted to know what it would feel like to have him—

  He crushed his mouth to hers, jerking her out of her fantasies right into the reality.

  Chapter 6

  Leilani gasped into Con’s kiss, her first instinct to question the sanity of this, but she immediately melted into him. Maybe she should fight this, but his lips were soft, his tongue probing and teasing as it flicked against hers. Her nipples instantly pebbled at his gentle stroking. It was impossible not to fantasize about what it would be like to have that same tongue teasing her elsewhere.