King of Eon by Anna Hackett ePUB)

Chapter Three

Gayel sipped his wine and eyed the courtyard. Everyone appeared to be having a good time.

Beside him, the Terran woman, Natasha, droned on. She’d been talking nonstop since she’d sat down. About herself.

“So, my dear,” his mother said. “You said your work on Earth is to…show off new clothing.”

Gayel shot his mother a warning look. She might be covered in jewels, but she still wore a thick, brown band at her wrist. His mother was an Eon warrior, through and through.

“I own my own business as well. Skin care.” Natasha looked around. “I wondered if there would be opportunities to sell my products here.”

His mother smiled. “It is highly unlikely your…lotions are the same quality as what we have here.”

The woman launched into a passionate defense of her organic ingredients.

He scanned the closest table. Adlyn was laughing. That was good to see. She’d been broken by the loss of her mate. Captain Rodriguez was leaning close to Ryphen, the pair in an intense discussion.

The younger warrior looked smitten.

Even in her simple Space Corps uniform, she stood out. Her hair was so dark, so unlike the Eon. Her face was composed, but he could tell she was alert, aware of everything going on around her.

“Your Highness?”

He turned his head. Natasha watched him expectantly.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “My mind wandered. Some pressing political matters.”

The woman smiled. “Of course. You’re so important. So busy with matters of galactic importance.”

He glanced at his mother, and saw her roll her eyes.

Suddenly, one of the Terran women at the next table stood up. She had gleaming-red hair. “Something touched my leg!” She wiggled, slapping at her shin.

Out of the corner of his eye, he watched Alea rise from her chair.

Another Terran woman jumped onto her chair. “There’s something under the table. Is it a mouse? I hate mice.”

The first woman screamed, and suddenly, blood splattered from her thigh.

What the cren? Gayel surged to his feet.

Alea and Lieutenant Knox were already racing across the courtyard. Guards stepped closer to Gayel’s table.

“Stay back, King Gayel,” one said, blocking his way.

All of a sudden, a creature leaped onto the Terran table, knocking over glasses and rattling dishes.

It was a little larger than his hand.

“Oh, God,” Natasha breathed in horror. “It looks like a cross between a rat and a spider.”

It had six legs, a long tail, and appeared to have some metal parts.

It leaped at one of the Terran women, clinging to her hair.

She let out a terrified scream. “Get it off me!”

“Hold still.” Alea rushed in and grabbed the creature.

Its tail whipped around, curling around her wrist. She wrenched it free of the woman, and took several strands of the woman’s red hair with it.

“Everyone back up,” Alea ordered.

Half the courtyard was in pandemonium, the other half frozen.

Alea slammed the creature against the table.

It released her arm, flipped, and scuttled along the table, knocking things over.

“Alea!” Ben yelled.

Another creature sprung out from under the table. It ran to the second one, and they clamped together.

Cren. As Gayel watched, they seemed to melt into each other, bones shifting and melding into one larger creature.

His jaw clenched.

Kantos.

They had to be responsible.

“Guards, get the guests out,” Gayel ordered. “Clear the room. Arion, escort the ambassador, the Earth delegates, and my mother out of here. I want warriors at all exits. These creatures can’t be allowed out of here.”

With nods, the warriors raced to do his bidding.

Adlyn and Ryphen moved in close, watching the fight like hawks.

The larger creature spun to face Alea, and let out a hiss.

The Space Corps captain’s face was vigilant, composed. He saw no fear or panic.

She snatched a knife off the table. The creature leaped toward her and she dodged, pivoted, then slashed it with the knife.

With a screech, it landed on the table. Plates fell and smashed on the floor.

Alea charged.

She swung the small knife down. The creature darted to the side. Its tail whipped around and hit her cheek, drawing blood.

The creature ran along the table.

“Oh, no, you don’t.” Alea leaped onto the table and chased it.

She was incredible.

Gayel strode closer, gesturing to his warriors.

Alea dived and brought the knife down. She skewered the alien to the table.

The creature flailed. Gayel saw the strain in her face as she fought to hold it.

“A little help here,” she growled.

Warriors rushed toward her, but Gayel was closest. He’d already formed his armor and sword. He rammed his sword into the creature, and twisted the blade. Green blood squirted.

The abomination jerked, then went still.

Alea sat back on her knees on the table. There was a mix of red and green blood on her face. She heaved in a breath and met his gaze. “Thanks.”

“Thank you for containing it.”

Alea looked around. “Jenna? The injured woman?”

“Already on her way to Medical.”

“Good.” Alea slid to the edge of the table and rose. “I’m guessing that wasn’t planned entertainment.”

“No.”

She looked up at him. “Kantos?”

“I think so.” He nodded at the warriors.

Several moved forward, holding a containment box to put the remains in. “My scientists will study it.” He frowned. “And determine how it got here.” In the heart of Eon space, where no Kantos should be.

There was movement in the crowd and Councilor Tann-Felis pushed closer, his face was flushed. “This thing appeared when the Terrans did. They brought it! They must be conspiring with our enemies.”

Alea bristled.

“Councilor.” Gayel fought for some patience. “That is a grave and unfounded accusation. Captain Rodriguez just risked her life to stop it.”

“Staged. To lull us—”

Gayel held up a hand. “Enough.”

At the tone of his voice, the councilor’s bluster stopped.

Alea stepped closer, her voice low. “If you think Earth would have anything to do with the Kantos, a species who’s killed us, hunted us, and wants to annihilate our planet, you’re an idiot.”

Tann-Felis clamped his mouth shut, but Gayel saw that it cost him. The man loved to talk.

Suddenly, another bug flew out from under the table.

Straight at Alea.

Without thinking, Gayel wrenched her to him. She collided with his chest as he swung his sword.

He cut through the bug, and the creature hit the floor with a wet slap.

“I want the room searched,” Gayel ordered. “Check to see if there are any more. After that, run a systematic search of the palace.”

His sword dissolved and he looked down at Alea.

She had a cut on her cheek. It wasn’t deep, but it was weeping blood.

He touched her cheekbone. “You should get this checked out. There’s no telling what germs these creatures carry.”

She touched her cheek and nodded. “And I need to check on my charges.”

“Then after that, meet me in the lab. Ryphen or Adlyn will show you. We’ll take a closer look at our intruders.”

She nodded again.

“And captain? You fight well.”

There was faint color in her cheeks. “So do you.”

* * *

Alea escapedthe palace Medical with her cut cleaned and treated.

Ben was waiting for her outside in the corridor. Her second pushed off the wall.

“How are the women?” she asked.

“Shaken. Feeling better knowing they have Eon warriors stationed at each of the doors.”

Alea scraped a hand through her hair, tiredness hitting her. The cut on her cheek stung. The Eon doctor—a bossy, older woman called Medical Commander Erisha Narann-Eon—had given her an anti-venom shot. It made her head a little foggy. She’d tried to avoid it, but the doctor must have some drill sergeant in her blood. She’d ignored Alea’s insistence that she was fine and didn’t need treatment.

“Jenna?” Ben asked, referencing the injured woman.

“Still in Medical. She’s sedated. The creature scratched up her leg pretty badly. But she’ll be fine.”

“Hell of a start to our trip.”

Alea grunted. “She’s asked to be excused from bridal consideration. She wants me to pass her apologies onto King Gayel. She just wants to go home.”

“Can’t blame her.” A pause. “You and the king looked good, swinging into action.”

She shot Ben a hard stare.

Adlyn appeared. The woman walked with brisk, economic strides. “There you are. I’m to escort you to the lab.”

“You going to try and blame us for this?” Ben said to the warrior.

Adlyn pegged him with a hard stare. “Should I?”

He stepped closer. “What do you think?”

Alea cleared her throat. “Can we see the remains of the bugs?”

Adlyn nodded and swiveled. Alea shot Ben a warning look before following the warrior.

They turned a corner. The palace somehow managed to look old, but with modern, comfortable touches. The stone felt ancient, but the discreet lighting was high-tech, and the rooms were all the perfect temperature.

“You and my brother made a good team back there.” Adlyn sounded amused.

Alea stared straight ahead and didn’t respond.

They moved downstairs into the lower levels. Alea imagined dark dungeons, but she was led into a light-filled, modern lab.

Her gaze went straight to Gayel. He’d changed his blood-splattered shirt. The one he wore now was black and tight fitting, with gold trim. His muscular arms were crossed over his chest.

His gaze flicked to hers. The strands in his eyes glowed rich purple.

“You’re healed?” he asked.

His concern made warmth thread in her belly. “Fine. It’s just a scratch.” She winced. “The shot of anti-venom hurt, though.”

“Not my favorite, either.”

They shared a beat of sympathy.

Then Gayel turned and waved a hand.

“Captain Alea Rodriguez and Lieutenant Benjamin Knox of Earth’s Space Corps, this is Science Commander Garvin Narann-Eon. Head of my palace science team.”

The older man had graying hair and was tall and fit, with a no-nonsense look on his face.

“You wouldn’t happen to be related to Medical Commander Narann-Eon would you?” Alea asked.

A faint smile appeared on his face. “My mate.”

Alea wrinkled her nose.

The man’s smile widened. “She doesn’t take no for an answer, and she has a way with recalcitrant patients. Had to learn with this one.” He nodded at Gayel.

“Yes, well, I hope not to need her help again.” Alea looked at the bench. “It’s Kantos?”

The two creatures were spread out on the bench and strapped down.

“Yes,” the science commander replied. “I haven’t seen anything quite like this before. It’s made of both organic and metal material.”

Alea leaned over the bench. Metal bones and spikes were mixed into the organic matter. “Say what you like about the Kantos, but they are relentless with their experiments.”

Gayel nodded. “Agreed.”

Science Commander Narann-Eon shifted over to a clear computer screen. He swiped the surface. “I’ve run some tests. The cassia flowers are blooming at the moment, and they’re only found here on Eon.”

Alea frowned, not following.

“It leaves a telltale, benign trace in the blood, until you are no longer exposed.”

The doctor paused. “These creatures are only showing a few hours of cassia exposure.”

The implication crashed into Alea. She stiffened. “They came on our shuttle.” She swiveled to meet Gayel’s gaze. “We are not in league with the Kantos. The alliance with the Eon is vitally important to Earth.”

“I know.” He touched her arm.

Electricity skated through her. It took everything Alea had not to let it show on her face. “Your advisor believes otherwise.”

“Councilor Tann-Felis is old, and set in his ways.” Gayel’s gaze bored into hers. “I don’t believe for a second that Space Corps planned this.”

Alea’s mind churned. “They must have snuck aboard our ship.”

Ben frowned. “We conduct regular scans.”

“Maybe someone brought them with them?” Adlyn suggested.

Alea blew out a breath. “I highly doubt the women, all dreaming of being queen, would jeopardize that opportunity.”

“The delegates?” Ben asked skeptically.

“The Kantos are known to infect people with small bugs and control them,” the science commander added.

Alea winced. Being controlled…she hated the idea. All through her childhood—with her drug dealer parents, then her bitter, mean aunt—she’d had no control over her life. Being in charge of her life was enormously important to her. “We need to explore all options.”

Gayel nodded. “Your people need to be tested.”

The women would just love that.

“Of course. And Ben and I will scour the shuttle, and contact the Olympias for a thorough check.” She glanced at the doctor. “Can you scan Ben and me, first?”

“I have all the scanning equipment here,” the science commander replied.

It took a while, but the process was painless.

Finally, Ben and Alea got the all-clear.

“Get some sleep, Ben.” Alea fought the urge to rub her temples. “The shuttle’s under guard for now. We’ll give it a once-over tomorrow.”

Ben nodded. “Good night.”

When they stepped out of the lab, she was surprised to find Gayel waiting for them.

Ben flashed her a grin, then headed down the hall.

Alea closed the distance to the king. She spotted Adlyn and Ryphen farther down the hall, leaning against the wall. As Ben walked past, he and Adlyn shared a long, hostile stare.

“Even in your own palace, you can’t wander alone?” Alea asked.

“Usually I can, but tonight’s events have them a little twitchy. Sometimes they forget I’m a warrior, as well.”

“This isn’t how I’d hoped this visit would start.”

“The Kantos like to ruin all good plans.” His gaze moved to her cheek. “It doesn’t hurt?”

She shook her head. This close, she could smell him. Some wood and citrusy scent mixed together.

Get your mind off the king, Rodriguez.

“Ben and I will search our shuttle tomorrow. The science commander will scan our people and your potential brides.”

The corners of his eyes tightened. “Come. I think we’ve both earned a drink.” He waved her through a doorway.

Alea didn’t want to spend more time with him. No, that wasn’t exactly true. She wanted to, far too much, that’s why she should decline and head to her own room.

She walked through the doorway.

It was some sort of sitting room. The stone floors gleamed, lovely hangings in blue and cream hung on the walls. Gauzy curtains fluttered by the open windows. The climate was so temperate on Eon—not hot, not cold. Gayel passed some low, flat couches in warm cream and stopped by a lovely wooden cabinet.

There was an intriguing collection of daggers on the wall, many with beautiful jeweled hilts. She saw the heavy-cut decanter of amber fluid sitting on top of the cabinet and watched as he poured two glasses.

She guessed this was some sort of reception room where he met guests and dignitaries for more casual meetings.

He handed her a glass. “Silvesse whiskey from the planet Felis. My favorite. Said to have been first brewed by the great warrior Ston.”

Alea wasn’t much of a drinker, but as she sipped, she had to admit the smooth, mellow flavor was delicious.

“I think it’s best we continue with the events we have planned for the next few days.” He sipped his own drink. “The routine will help keep people calm.”

Alea ran through the agenda in her head. “Tomorrow there is a…garden party.” It sounded boring.

He smiled. “Yes. Including a demonstration of fighting by our warriors.”

Okay, that sounded better.

“You look like you’ve used a sword before,” Gayel said.

She smiled. “You could tell from my skill wielding a dinner knife?”

He smiled back.

She froze for a second. Oh man, his smile was gorgeous. It made her want to just bask in the warmth of it.

“You are very skilled with a dinner knife,” he teased.

She shook her head to clear the daze. “I was a space marine. We’re trained in various types of weapons.”

“As are Eon warriors. I’m glad you’re here, Alea.”

She straightened. “Of course. You have a wife to choose and it’s my job to keep her safe.”

His smile vanished. “Yes. I have a duty to my people.” He suddenly looked troubled.

“I’m told you’re a good king.”

He pulled in a long breath. “Sometimes being responsible for so many lives, it pulls you in a lot of different directions. It’s a balance to ensure you never step too far in the wrong one.”

She detected something under his words, but reminded herself it wasn’t her business.

The attack came without warning.

One of the Kantos spider-rats leaped out from under a couch. It slammed into Gayel’s head, knocking him sideways. His glass fell to the stone floor and smashed.

Fuck. Alea dropped her own glass and lunged for the daggers on the wall. She ripped one off.

Gayel gripped the creature, trying to tear it free.

“Drop your hands,” she yelled.

He did it instantly. Alea cut at the Kantos. It made a horrible noise and clamped harder. She saw Gayel’s body jerk.

Dammit. She jabbed the knife into its body, hoping to hell she didn’t cut too deep and hit Gayel.

The spider-rat released him and leaped into the air.

It landed on one of the flat, backless couches. Alea dived on it. Her knife sank deep, pinning it to the cushions. She lay flat on the couch on her belly and she put all her weight onto the alien.

But the damn Kantos was strong.

It flailed and jerked. Its tail wrapped around her forearm, gripping hard enough to hurt. She ground her teeth together and held on. Her knife cut through both the spider-rat and the couch cushion beneath. Green blood soaked into the fabric.

The alien heaved up and she knew she couldn’t hold it much longer.

She couldn’t let it loose. To stalk the palace and hurt more people.

Its tail tightened on her arm and she grunted through the pain.

Then a big body came down on hers and Gayel’s arms pressed on top of hers. Together, they kept the spider-rat pinned down.

It kept struggling for another minute, then went still.

Yeah, Alea wasn’t falling for that. She stared at Gayel’s big, strong hands over hers. “Now what?”

He made a low sound. “If I get up…”

“It’ll get loose. Will you have time to contain it before it runs?”

“Probably not.” He was silent a moment. “Adlyn will be in to check on me soon. We’ll hold it until then.”

Great. She closed her eyes. She was highly conscious of the long line of his muscular body pressed over hers.

“Are you comfortable?” His warm breath brushed against her ear.

“Sure, as long as its damn tail doesn’t snap my forearm.”

“I will ensure that doesn’t happen.”

The spider-rat flailed again, and she and Gayel leaned onto it.

“So,” he said. “How long have you been in Space Corps?”

She choked out a laugh. “We’re going to have a chat while keeping a killer Kantos creature pinned under us?”

“It might help pass the time.” She heard the smile in his voice.

“Since I was eighteen. I joined straight out of school.”

“You were young.”

She’d been desperate to escape her aunt’s home. “I…wanted a fresh start. To find a place to belong.”

Gayel was quiet a moment. “You had a difficult childhood?”

A rock lodged in her throat. “My parents died when I was young. I lived with an aunt who wasn’t that interested in raising a child.”

Alea felt his body tense, felt the air charge with his anger. No doubt it was amplified by his helian.

“She mistreated you?”

“She didn’t beat me.” But she was quick to slap and Alea had learned to duck.

“There are other ways to cause a child pain.”

Alea turned her head and realized his lips were so close to hers. Her belly coiled tight. “Personal experience?”

He released a breath. “My father was…a difficult man.”

Funny, she’d thought being an heir and king would have shielded him from so many ordinary hardships. “I’m sorry.”

Gayel shook his head. “He taught me a lot. Good and bad.”

“I think it’s best not to have kids. Too many ways to screw them up.” And she came from a gene pool that didn’t need to be passed on.

“It’s obvious that you’re a protector, Alea. You’d be a fierce mother.”

Her belly cramped. God, was she really discussing kids with the king of the Eon? She really needed to change the subject. “So, what do you do on your time off? For fun.”

He laughed, a masculine, sexy sound that shimmied down her spine.

“Kings don’t have much time for fun. You?”

“Workaholic Space Corps officers don’t have time for fun either.” She looked at their joined hands and the ugly alien creature beneath them. “I like to ride. We have animals called horses on Earth.”

“I know of them. They are similar to our drails here on Eon. I enjoy riding too. We have a hunt coming up, so you’ll get to ride.”

Suddenly, the spider-rat jerked. Its tail tightened, coiling hard around her forearm, and the excruciating pain made her groan.

Gayel cursed and tried to get a finger under the tail. “Keep talking, Alea.”

She could barely think through the fog of agony. “I…like to sing. Its private. I only do it when I’m alone.”

“I’d like to hear that.”

The door burst open and Adlyn and Ryphen rushed in.

“Cren.” Adlyn sprang forward.

The guards helped contain the creature. Gayel ripped the Kantos’ tail off Alea and she hissed. She pulled her arm to her chest.

Gayel eased off Alea’s body and helped her up.

“Containment box,” he yelled at the new guards at the door. “Get that thing to the science commander.” Then he gently maneuvered Alea’s arm, his fingers gentle on her skin.

“It isn’t broken,” she said.

Red marks curled around her forearm.

“It’ll bruise. You should get Medical—”

“Oh no, I’ve had enough of Medical Commander Narann-Eon for one night. I can deal with a few bruises.”

Gayel frowned at her, his fingers still stroking her skin.

And Alea found herself wanting to lean into his strength. She already missed that big body pressed against hers.

Crap. It was like he’d cast some sensual spell on her. She needed to get back to her room and get her head straight.

She forced herself to watch Adlyn and his warriors stuff the still squirming Kantos bug into a heavy box.

“I’d better get some sleep,” she said. “Good night, Your Highness.”

He grabbed her hand. “Gayel. We’ll be dealing closely with each other. Gayel and Alea.”

Her blood pumped loudly in her ears. She needed to get away from him and his overwhelming masculinity, immediately. “Good night…Gayel.”

“Sleep well, Alea.” He leaned closer and lowered his voice. “And I look forward to hearing you sing for me soon.”