Pulling the cover over the window back, Hannah’s breath caught at the beauty of her surroundings. There was thick forest as far as she could see with a glimpse of mountains surrounding them. She looked down and realized the ‘home’ she was in was actually about half way up one of the huge trees. Other homes were built into the surrounding trees. Hannah saw dozens of huge men, animals, and other movement on the ground far below her. Going down was out, she thought in dismay. Hannah glanced up and noticed that further up the tree there was nothing but thick branches protecting the home. She let her eyes follow the line of several branches. If she went up, she could follow along them. Once clear of the ‘village’ below, she could climb down. Hannah had no idea which way the palace was but she figured it couldn’t be too far. She might be able to determine where she was once night came. She had spent several nights outside waiting for Borj to come back to their living quarters. She could use the direction of the moons rising and the stars to guide her.
Hannah tucked the knife into the waistband of her pants and climbed up onto the window ledge. She drew in a deep breath. Her arms and legs were still a bit shaky from whatever drug they used. She would need to be careful she didn’t fall. It was a hell of a long way down. Grasping the top of the window frame she scooted along the edge until she could step onto a knot on the tree. Reaching out, she dug her fingers into an indentation and began climbing.
Hannah paused to rest at the top of the tree. She pushed herself up after a couple of minutes and began moving again once she was breathing evenly. She was walking fast along the branch when she heard a yell. It looks like her luck was running out. Either someone found Core or he was able to get free. She didn’t pause to see what kind of excitement was going on far below her. She was more interested in putting some distance between her and everyone else.
She ducked down on a large branch several trees away as two thin black-looking bikes skimmed over the top of the trees. They reminded her of the types of vehicles she saw in movies back home. Not that I’ve been to that many in the last couple of years, Hannah thought in sarcastic amusement. She rose up again as they passed her and continued on. She was almost to the end of the branch when she felt someone behind her. Glancing over her shoulder, Hannah’s eyes widened as the huge bastard and Core moved along the branch at a rapid pace. Damn, she thought for sure she could have gotten further. Hannah threw caution to the wind. She started running as fast as she could along the branch. Her heart was beating as adrenaline kicked in. The old fears began swallowing her up as past and present collided. Hannah saw the vines hanging down from a branch slightly lower than the branch she was on. It was a good eight feet away and the possibility of her not making it was high but she was too frightened to care. All she thought about was the screams and looks in the women’s eyes after they were brought back to the hut. Putting on a spurt of speed, Hannah leaped off the end of the branch ignoring the loud curses of disbelief that followed her.
Merrick was furious when he returned to his home to find his cousin tied up and his aunt and niece trapped in a closet. How the hell did one small female do so much damage? First she knocks him out then defeats his cousin? It took precious time to figure out where the female went. He could not believe she could climb almost as good as his seasoned warriors. Few could use the trees as well as his clan. It was only the fact one of the skimmers sighted her that he and Core were able to catch up with her by using some of the roping hidden in the upper canopy. He thought for sure they had her trapped on this branch. When she began running recklessly along it, he feared she would slip and fall to her death. He never expected her to try to escape by jumping to the vines.
Merrick looked at Core and growled out. “Where in the hockta balmas did they find these females?”
Core grinned as he watched Hannah swing down to a lower branch and jump down. “I do not know but I want one!”
“Well, we have to catch the one we stole first. She is getting away!” Merrick grunted out as he watched Hannah jump onto another branch before grabbing a vine and sliding further down.
Merrick laughed under his breath. He decided he wouldn’t mind having one either if they were this much fun. It had been a long time since he felt the challenge of the chase. He only wished it was with a female he could keep. He would have to let Borj know he was one lucky son-of-a-bitch.
Chapter 14
Borj tightened the weapons around his chest and adjusted the ones at his sides. He was dressed all in black to help him blend in with the surrounding shadows. He looked over to his father and brother who were climbing out of the short-range shuttle behind him followed by Te’mar.
Te’mar looked grim as he approached. He looked at Borj’s stony expression. It was not going to be easy trying to him from killing Merrick, he thought with a heavy sigh.
“Borj, I still think you should let me go in first. I can talk to Merrick. I can get him to release your mate.” Te’mar said quietly.
Borj looked coldly at Te’mar. “If you do not have the stomach for battle then leave.” Borj said.
Te’mar’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “This has nothing to do with whether I have the stomach for battle. You know I do. I have fought many times at your side. What I do not want is to see senseless killing that can be avoided.” Te’mar responded harshly.
“He had no right to take my bond mate. I warned him she was mine. I showed him the mating mark. He knew what his decision would bring.” Borj growled out furiously.
“He is responsible for his clan. He came to us looking for help and we gave him nothing but empty promises. What was he supposed to do? I do not approve of him taking your bond mate but think of the choices we left him.” Te’mar snapped back.
Teriff watched the exchange through narrow eyes. “As leader of the ‘Tag Krell Manok, I will make the final decision. We will all go in. If they do not return your bond mate then blood will be shed.” Teriff said in a voice that told there would be no more discussion on the matter.
Borj’s jaw tightened but he did not respond. If Hannah was harmed in any way, he did not care what his father said. He would kill Merrick and as many others as he could before he died. Borj turned away and began moving swiftly through the forest. He opened his mind calling to Hannah but he still could feel nothing but the dark abyss.
“Borj.” Te’mar said coming up beside him. “Merrick will protect her. I am sure he regretted taking her in the first place.”
“Why do you protect him?” Borj asked as he moved through the thick undergrowth. “The real reason, not what you have given others.” He asked turning suddenly to look at Te’mar.
Te’mar had to stop or he would have run into Borj. His lips tightened for a moment before he looked out over the thick, lush forest surrounding them. He could hear the others moving forward but was unconcerned. He knew if he could not calm Borj before they reached the village there would be unnecessary bloodshed. Torn between an old promise and the new one he made when he joined the council, Te’mar looked back at Borj in resignation.
“He is my older brother.” Te’mar said softly.
Borj jerked back a step. How was that possible? He knew both of Te’mar’s parents. They were bond mates. How could it be possible Merrick was Te’mar’s older brother and no one knew?
Te’mar held up his hand. “Now is not the time or place to tell you the details. I am not even sure I have the right to. I can just ask that you believe that what I tell you is truthful.” Te’mar said looking intently into Borj’s eyes.
Borj studied Te’mar for a moment before he nodded his head. “As long as Hannah has not been harmed, I will hold my blade.” Borj promised. “But, know this…if she has been harmed at all, I do not care who he is. I will kill him.”
Te’mar nodded once before pushing past Borj to continue to the village he called home long ago. Borj watched him walk away with mixed feelings. He understood family and the need to protect them but it was nothing compared to his need to protect his bond mate. He had
a better appreciation for the gut-wrenching torment J’kar felt when Tink was taken from him. Borj pushed his fear for his mate down. He had to believe she was safe.
Hannah frowned as she watched the group of warriors walk by staring at her curiously. She was pissed she hadn’t made it more than a half mile before she was caught. She was better than that, dammit. She twisted her hands together in front of her working at the ties. At least she hadn’t made it easy on them. The huge guy, Merrick, was sitting across from her scowling at her as Nadu pressed a cold compress to his forehead. Core was leaning back against a tree with a cold compress to his groin. Hannah had a feeling he wasn’t going to want to spend time alone with her any time soon.
Merrick growled at Hannah when he saw her smiling. “You are dangerous, female. Does your bond mate know this?”
Hannah turned her gaze to Merrick and smiled innocently. “Yes. I knocked him out three times the first time we met.” Hannah said sweetly.
Core groaned as he adjusted the cold compress. “And he still claimed you?” Core asked huskily. He turned to look at Merrick. “Do you think there are other females of her species that are not so painful?”
Nadu chuckled. “Why don’t you ask her? You have her tied up to keep you safe now.”
Hannah worked her wrists back and forth until one of her hands slipped out of the ropes. Even after she hurt them, they were afraid to tie her too tight for fear of hurting her. Hannah rubbed the red marks from where she worked her wrists back and forth. Pushing a long strand of hair behind her ear, she grinned as both men moved back away from her when she stood up.
“Actually, I am probably a little better at defending myself than most girls. My mom and dad made sure I could.” Hannah said as her thoughts drifted to the reason why.
Nadu noticed the haunted look that came into Hannah’s eyes and moved toward her. “Sit, child. No one will harm you. As soon as the men have recovered I will make sure they return you to your mate. Have you called to him?”
Hannah jerked. “Oh, shit! I was so pissed at him I shut him out. I bet he is really upset with me right about now.” Hannah said as a flush ran up her neck turning her face a rosy red. “I forgot I could do that.” Hannah added with a whisper.
Nadu laughed as she saw Hannah’s face. “Call to him. Give him peace, child, or he will want to kill all of us.”
Hannah nodded and closed her eyes. Reaching out, she called to Borj. “Borj, can you hear me?”
“I will be there soon. Have you been harmed?” Borj asked urgently.
“Let’s just say I’m not the one sitting with the cold compresses. Remember when we met?” Hannah let Borj see Merrick and Core through her eyes.
“Perhaps, it is them that need be rescued." Borj’s chuckle of relief sounded in Hannah’s mind. “I am almost there.”
Hannah opened her eyes and grinned. “He’s almost here. He says he’ll think about rescuing you guys.”
Nadu and Nadine burst out laughing as Merrick and Core scowled. Merrick decided he liked the chasing part but the catching left much to be desired. He gingerly touched the knot on his head where she hit him with the tree branch. His gaze flickered over to Core who was still looking a little pale. He would still prefer the branch upside his head than a foot in his manhood. He needed to remember if he ever came across another female of this race to be very protective of that part of his anatomy. It seems to be one of the first places they aim for when they attack.
Hannah watched a short time later as Borj, followed by a large group of armed warriors, came into the village. The few women and children in the village watched from the safety of the homes high up in the tree. Nadu stayed near Hannah but she sent Nadine, who protested loudly, back up to the safety of Merrick's home.
Hannah's breath caught in her throat at how sexy Borj looked. He was wearing tight leather pants tucked into knee high black boots. His upper body was only covered by a black vest leaving his arms uncovered. He had two swords strapped to his back, several small weapons across his chest, and two guns of some type on each hip. His face was carved in stone as he entered the village. His eyes scanned the crowd of warriors until they came to rest on her. Hannah pushed by Merrick and Core running to throw herself at Borj.
Borj's eyes flared when he saw Hannah standing next to an older female. He watched as her face changed from nervous concern to outright joy at the sight of him. A moment later she was wrapping herself around him. He had no other choice but to clutch her to his hard body as she wrapped her long legs around his waist and buried her face in his neck. His arms tightened as he felt a tremble shake her delicate body.
"I'm sorry." Hannah whispered. "I promised to never shut you out and I did. I'm so sorry."
Hannah leaned back and looked into Borj's dark silver eyes. Without thinking, she pulled his head down into a deep, passionate kiss. She needed to feel him. Trust was a two-way street. If she expected to be able to trust Borj then she had to show him he could trust her in return. Hannah felt Borj as he opened to her. She felt his fear and frustration. She also felt his sense of loss; the feelings of darkness and emptiness choking him at not being able to connect with her. The feelings frightened Hannah at first. She understood those feelings all to well. Ever since she was fifteen she had felt the same feelings. The only difference was she had learned to push them down deep inside her. It was the only way she was able to survive. She buried her feelings in her work, letting it show through her photographs.
Borj pulled back and looked into Hannah's eyes intensely. "I too am sorry. I made a promise as well to never cage you. It is difficult for me to not want to protect you. I have much to learn." Borj replied heavily.
Hannah let her legs slip down from Borj's waist as he looked fiercely over her shoulder. She slipped her hand into his and turned to follow where he was looking. A blush stole over her face when she realized how quiet everyone was and how they were staring in awe at her and Borj.
“What’s their problem?” Hannah asked under her breath.
Borj glanced down in amusement when he saw how red Hannah’s face was. “They have never seen a female be so responsive before.”
Hannah frowned as she looked at Nadu. “Nadu seems affectionate.” Hannah said puzzled.
Borj shook his head. “She shows affection, not passion. Prime females are not as passionate as your species. They do not seem to care much for the physical side of a relationship.” Borj said softly as he began walking toward Merrick and Core.
Hannah frowned again. That was just plain weird. Maybe it was because she grew up with two parents who couldn’t keep their hands off each other. What about Tresa and Teriff? They seem to like to be all over each other. Now that Hannah thought about it, bits and pieces of different conversations began to filter through her mind. She remembered Tink telling her and their mom about the men’s reactions on the spaceship she was on and how they were amazed at how she reacted to J’kar. She also remembered Tresa asking her mom a ton of questions about how to please a man and how he could please her. Maybe it wasn’t that they didn’t like it so much as they were never really given a chance.
Hannah jerked back to what was going on around her when she heard Borj growl threateningly. He was looking at the red marks around her wrist. He stopped suddenly and pulled her around to face him and lifted her other wrist up to inspect it. His eyes darkened and flames appeared as he raised first one wrist then the other to his mouth running his tongue along the welts.
“Oh god, that feels good.” Hannah whispered huskily. “You can do that anytime you like.”
Borj paused and looked at Hannah’s half-closed eyes. “I am trying to heal you. I promised if you had one mark on you that I would kill Merrick. I warned him you belonged to me. He will pay for harming you.” Borj growled out.
Hannah laughed softly. “They didn’t do this, I did. Well, they tied my hands but that was only to protect themselves. I was the one who worked them free. They didn’t tie them tight at all. I think they were just afra
id I would inflict more damage.” Hannah leaned forward so she was sure Borj was the only one to hear her. “Besides, if this is what happens when I get wrist rash I’ll have to let you tie me up too.”
Borj inhaled sharply as he caught the vivid picture in Hannah’s mind of her tied to their bed. He felt his cock swell at the thought of her enjoying his restraining her. This was what J’kar was talking about when he told them about having to restrain Tink and her enjoying it. Borj felt his canines beginning to extend and knew if he didn’t do something quickly he would take Hannah right there.
“You are dangerous.” Borj groaned out.
“That is exactly what I told her.” Merrick said coming up behind them.
Hannah flushed a deep red and an expression of irritation flashed across Borj’s face at the interruption. That was the second time they both forgot where they were. Borj looked at his brother and father. Both of them had knowing expressions on their faces. Borj snarled out a curse before turning to confront Merrick. He fist connected with Merrick’s jaw sending the huge warrior to the ground on his ass.
“That is for taking my mate after I told you she was mine.” Borj said fiercely. He then extended his hand and helped Merrick to stand up. “And this is for understanding why.” He finished softly.
Merrick rubbed his jaw and spit out some blood. He grinned down at Hannah who stood biting her lip. “I deserved that although I have to tell you your mate did a good job on me already. She said she knocked you out three times?” Merrick said as more of an amused statement than a question.
“Twice.” Borj corrected. “I was still conscious the third time but wished I hadn’t been. She has very good reflexes.” He said rubbing his groin area.