Lily’s throat tensed as her heart pounded in her chest. She could feel Arton’s breath on her lips, warm and inviting. For one mad instant, she wanted him to kiss her, longed to lose herself in passion and wish the conflicts of this strange world far away. But lives were at stake and Arton wasn’t interested in her as a woman, just as a scientist. She shook her head, snapping reality back into place.

“I won’t be bullied,” she said firmly. “If Stront wants to risk his life, that’s between him and the overlord. But I want to talk to Jillian. Take me back to my cabin.”

“No.” He moved his other hand to the bulkhead, surrounding her with his body. “If you want to protect your friend, fix the formula.”

Raising both hands to his chest, she shoved with all her might. He wouldn’t budge and the contact only accented his nearness, made her feel trapped and...tingly. She tried to duck under his arm. He caught her upper arms and pressed her back into place.

“Even if I let you go to her, it wouldn’t matter.” His tone deepened and his gaze began to smolder. “She’s experiencing the pull.” He bent and pressed his face against her hair, inhaling deeply. “Do you know what that means?”

She held perfectly still. He was scenting her, absorbing her pheromones to see if his body reacted. She knew all about the pull. The workstation in each cabin had been activated, though the access was limited. The captives could read books, trigger entertainment files, and detailed information about the transformation program. That was how the females explored the profiles of eligible males. The list of matches hadn’t been released yet, but Stront and Jillian weren’t the only compatible couple to find each other on their own.

“I know what it means.” She finally responded to his nearly forgotten question. “Instincts—and body chemistry—draw compatible couples together and urge them to...procreate. The level of compatibility determines the strength of their urges.” Did that explain her fascination with Arton? The pull wouldn’t kick in until he kissed her, but often females had a vague sense that something was different about a potential mate even before they kissed. She’d attributed her interest in Arton to the mystique surrounding his abilities. She’d never met a bonafide psychic before, much less one laser focused on her.

He raised one hand and stroked the side of her face, then gently tilted her head back. Excitement and fear twisted through her and she shook her head. If he kissed her, and if they were compatible, his taste would activate the pull in her. She wasn’t ready for this, wasn’t sure she wanted to find out she was genetically compatible with an alien. But he didn’t kiss her. He turned her head to the side and pressed his face against her throat.

“We’re not compatible,” he whispered. “So why do you smell so damn good?”

She tensed, yet disappointment washed over her in sobering waves. “How do you know if we’re compatible or not? You’re not in the database of eligible males. Did you have our DNA tested on your own?”

A chuckle rumbled through his chest and his lips brushed against the sensitive skin on the side of her neck. Tingles spread out across her flesh and she shivered. Why was he still touching her if they weren’t potential mates? And why in the world was she disappointed about his revelation?

He lifted his head and looked into her eyes. “Were you researching me?”

She shrugged, feeling anything but indifferent. In four short weeks many of the captives had begun to accept their new reality. They no longer thought about Earth and all they’d left behind. Instead they dreamed of the male who would claim them and anticipated a future on this untamed planet. It was hard not to become swept up in their excitement when she was continually surrounded by it. “It’s basic strategy to know as much as you can about your enemy.”

“Are we enemies?” He feathered kisses along her jawline, moving up toward her ear. “I don’t hate you. Do you hate me?”

He sucked her earlobe into his mouth and all she could do was gasp. The simple contact launched sensation in multiple directions. Tingles branched out across the back of her head while heat spiraled deep into her abdomen. Her nipples tingled and her core ached, responding despite all her mind’s logical objections.

“I need your help, Lily.” He whispered the words into her ear as he brushed her cheek with his knuckles. “Protect Jillian.” His thumb stroked over her lips. “Protect all the females. Keep them safe as they settle into their new lives.”

She narrowed her gaze on his handsome face, recovering enough to recognize his tactic. “I’m not desperate enough to fall for this shit. Stop touching me!” She batted his hand aside and tried again to push him away.

He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her forward, pressing her body against his from chest to knees. “I’m not sure I can. I’ve never felt this way before.”

Acting on instinct, she drew back her arm and slapped him hard across the face. His head snapped to the side, then he struck like a snake. He grabbed both her wrists and pinned them to the bulkhead on either side of her head. His jaw clenched and fury flashed through his silver-ringed eyes.

“Now you’re pissed off,” she pointed out. “Surely you’ve felt that way before.”

Understanding slowly penetrated his anger and he finally released her. He lowered his arms and reluctantly stepped back. “Hit me again and there will be consequences.”

He was right. She shouldn’t have hit him. That was just as wrong as him attempting to seduce her. She was smart enough to resolve conflicts without resorting to violence. “I want to talk to Jillian.” She crossed her arms over her chest, hoping he wouldn’t notice her beaded nipples. It was irrational to want someone she didn’t even like.

“It won’t make a difference,” he predicted, slipping back behind the brooding mask he wore so often.

“Then what do you have to lose? Don’t I have until morning to make up my mind?”

He raked his hair with one hand, jaw still tight, nostrils flared. “If Jillian changes her mind, Kage will simply find another couple. Your friend isn’t the only female who has already been contacted by her potential mate. In fact couples are being drawn together so fast, we might not need to use the database.”

“I still want to talk to her.” Nothing spread faster than gossip. If she detailed her concerns with Jillian and Sara, they would doubtlessly warn the other females. Even if her warnings didn’t keep all the women from falling under the Outcasts’ spell, she might make them leery enough to slow things down until she figured out another course of action.

“If you aren’t able to convince her to withdraw, will you fix the formula?”

She glared at him. This was so unfair. She was damned either way. If she fixed the formula, she was assisting the Outcasts in carrying out their twisted plan. But if she refused to correct their mistakes, Jillian—or one of the others—would likely be harmed, perhaps killed by the resulting transformation.

She had to do something. “I’ll decide after I’ve spoken with her.”

With a frustrated sigh, he relented. “Fine. Let’s go.”

He escorted her to the cabin she shared with the other three females. With bunkbeds, a corner workstation, and one tiny bathroom, there wasn’t much to recommend the accommodations. She scanned open the door and was pleasantly surprised when Arton remained in the corridor as she stepped inside.

“Oh thank God!” Sara cried, quickly climbing down from her top bunk so she could give Lily a hug.

“We heard you and Thea had been arrested,” Jillian explained. She sat cross-legged on the middle of the bunk beneath Sara’s. “Did you really try to steal a shuttle?”

Sara moved aside, so Lily sat on the foot of Jillian’s bunk. At twenty-three, Jillian was the youngest of the four roommates, and her freckled complexion made her appear even younger. She had short blonde hair, baby-blue eyes, and a smile that lit up her face. Lily, and even more so Thea, felt very protective of the younger woman. Jillian’s naiveté was the primary reason they’d both been so concerned when her attraction to Stront became obvious.

“We were looking for weapons, not trying to escape,” Lily told them, “but the result was the same. Thea’s down in detention and I’m now tethered to the harbinger.” She held up her wrist, displaying the alien bracelet. “If I get too far away from him, it zaps me.”

“How long is your leash?” Sara wanted to know. She was a pretty Latina with long dark hair and even darker eyes.

“Ten feet. He’s out in the hallway.”

“What are they going to do to Thea?” Sara digressed, worry creasing he bow.

“They’re hoping her mate will settle her down,” Lily grumbled, unable to hide her dislike of the idea.

Jillian scoffed. “They obviously don’t know Thea. Any man that tries to control her will have a wildcat on his hands.” Admiration made her words sound almost wistful.

“It’s only been a few months since she lost her whole family.” Sara shook her head, clearly upset by the suggestion. “How can they expect her to... It’s just not right.”

“Who knows.” Jillian scooted back and leaned against the bulkhead. “A loving man could be exactly what she needs.”

Lily hadn’t been sure how to bring up the transformation program, but Jillian had just given her an opening. “Is a loving man exactly what you need? I thought we’d all agreed to defy them.”

Jillian stilled. Her thick-lashed gaze darted toward Sara, then returned to Lily’s face. “Stront is different than any man I’ve ever met.”

“Could be because he’s not a man at all,” Sara chimed in, disapproval clear in her dark eyes. “He’s an alien, an alien that kidnapped you and is holding you against your will.”

“Is it still ‘against your will’?” Lily challenged. “Did you honestly volunteer to go first?”

Sara gasped. “She did what?”

“Stront and Jillian went to the overlord and asked if they could go first.” Lily shifted her gaze back to Jillian, who had drawn her legs up in front of her and was refusing to look at either Sara or her. “Did Stront put you up to it, or was it your idea?”

Her only response was a one-shouldered shrug.

“Have you had sex with him?” Sara’s question sounded more like an accusation.

“By Bill Clinton’s definition of sex or my mother’s?” A faint smile quirked the corners of Jillian’s mouth.

Lily didn’t even want to know the distinction. “Sexual contact of any kind will make the cravings stronger.”

She finally looked up. “Yeah, we figured that out. If Stront doesn’t claim me soon, we’ll both go insane!”

“I can’t believe this.” Sara tossed back her long dark hair, too agitated to stand still. “Did you not hear one word Lily told us? Transformation is dangerous under the best of circumstances. The Outcasts don’t even know what the hell they’re doing.”

“That’s not true!” Jillian unfolded her legs and swung her feet to the floor, apparently ready for a verbal battle. “We met with Dr. Foran. He answered all of our questions, so he has to be familiar with the process.”

“Did you ask him how many transformations he has overseen?” Lily challenged. “To my knowledge, the only successful transformations took place on battle born ships, so I’m relatively sure the answer is zero.”

Jillian’s shrug was slightly more convincing this time. “Someone has to go first. It might as well be me.”

“That’s so ignorant.” Sara turned her back. “I can’t even look at you right now.”

Lily tried not to smile, but failed. Sara was passionate about everything. She was also loving and often selfless, which made her volatility easier to tolerate. Challenging Jillian directly was only making her more determined, so Lily changed strategy. She pushed to her feet and let confusion fill her tone. “I thought you loved him.”

“Of course I love him.” She sounded horribly affronted. “Why would you say that?”

“If you love him, why are you encouraging him to do something that will likely cause him harm, maybe even end his life?”

Jillian’s mouth opened then closed. She licked her lips, then squared her shoulders. “If it’s so dangerous and Dr. Foran is so incompetent, why don’t you direct the program? That’s why they brought you along.”

“They didn’t just bring me along,” Lily snapped, but the barb found its mark. Not being compatible with anyone was especially annoying after Arton’s careless comment about the same damn thing.

Jillian’s tone softened and regret sparked in her big blue eyes. “I didn’t mean it like that. You know how the transformation works and you’ve overseen many of them. Why won’t you help us?”

“‘Help us’?” Sara spun back around, eyes wide with disbelief. “You’re siding with the Outcasts now?”

Lily had reacted similarly. Sara just beat her to the reply. Jillian didn’t respond, so Lily tried to drive her point home. “If I help them now, it puts us all in danger. Are you really selfish enough to make this decision for everyone?”

Jillian shook her head, her gaze defiant again. “It doesn’t work that way. The transformation can’t be forced. Dr. Foran said the result is always flawed if there is any sort of resistance. Every female has to choose for themselves.”

“Every female will be ruthlessly seduced by a male whose kiss is a sexual stimulant,” Lily argued.

“The pull only amplifies attraction. It doesn’t create it,” Jillian stressed, obviously anther quote from the Rodyte doctor. “It won’t kick in unless the woman wants the male just as much. It can’t be one-sided.” She paused and shook her head. “You make it sound like a date rape drug.”

“Dios, you sound like one of them.” Sara glared at the younger woman, anger blazing in her dark eyes.

“It might not be a date rape drug, but it clouds the mind and warps priorities,” Lily argued.

“So does alcohol,” Jillian persisted. “And they still serve alcohol at weddings.”

Lily ignored the outburst and stayed focused on the situation at hand. “All that matters to you right now is being with Stront. You’re not thinking clearly.”

This time Jillian hesitated before she responded. “I’m doing this with or without you. Obviously, I would much rather have you involved.”

“I hope to God you don’t mean that, because I cannot give in to them.”

“You won’t give in because you’re stubborn and filled with pride.”

“Jillian!” Sara’s voice went up an octave and she put both hands on her hips. “That’s hateful. Apologize right now.”

“No. You guys treat me like a child, but I’m not. I’m not even a virgin. I’m in love with Stront and I want him to claim me so he’ll have access to his magic.” If Jillian had realized how childish this made her sound, she might have chosen her words more carefully.

“There’s no guarantee that will happen,” Lily reminded. “About thirty percent of the couples I dealt with didn’t end up with abilities of any kind.”

“Which mean seventy percent unleashed their magic.” Jillian’s chin lifted. “I’ll take those odds.”

“Those are the odds with my formula,” Lily stressed. “That’s not what they’ll be using in the morning.”

“It’s not just me, you know.” Jillian squared her shoulders and stared into Lily’s eyes. “If we took a vote right now, asked everyone what they wanted you to do, my side would win by a landslide.”

“Even if they knew they’d be risking their lives?” Lily countered.

Jillian’s gaze narrowed and her lips pressed into an angry line. “You’ll really let me die just so you don’t have to ‘give in to them’?”

“I won’t do anything. What happens tomorrow is entirely up to you, but I will not give my formula to kidnappers and criminals.” Angry and frustrated, Lily rushed from the room.

Arton stood in the corridor, arms crossed over his broad chest. He was trying to hide his smile, but the corners of his mouth kept twitching. He couldn’t hear the conversation going on inside the tiny cabin, but he could easily imagine the exchange. Females in the grip of the pull rarely changed their minds about wanting their mate. The pull was instinctual and intense. Rather like his attraction to Lily. But they weren’t compatible, so why did he want her so badly?

The privacy panel slid open and Lily stormed out. “You knew that would happen, didn’t you?”

He pushed off the wall and fell into step beside her. “I had a pretty good idea it would be a waste of time.” Her only response was a tense shake of her head. Did she even know where she was going? His cabin was in the opposite direction. “So, will you save her from herself?”

“I don’t know what to do. I need to think about it.” Her agitation was obvious. She walked much faster than usual and her hands were balled into fists.

“What did she say? I knew she’d refuse you, but you seem needlessly angry.”

“‘Needlessly’?” She stopped abruptly and turned on him. “This entire situation is needless, but it’s your fault not mine!” She shoved him hard, then started walking again.

He rocked back on his heels, but didn’t lose his balance. “Tell me what she said.”

“Go to hell! I’ve had it with all of you.” She angrily wiped at her eyes and he realized she was crying. Lily never cried. Through all of the tumult, and his ongoing provocations, she’d remained cool and composed. Always in control. Her ability to think logically was one of the characteristics that appealed to him. They were both pragmatic and sensible.

Catching her upper arm, he spun her back around. “What did she say to you?” It was a demand this time.

“She didn’t just refuse to reconsider, she echoed all of your arguments and reminded me that I’m—” A harsh sob interrupted her words and tears welled in her eyes.

“That you’re what?” he persisted, not yet understanding her reaction.

“It doesn’t matter.” She tugged against his hold, lips trembling.

He kept his grip firm while being careful not to hurt her. “Clearly it does or you wouldn’t be this upset.”

“What difference does it make to you?” Her voice rose along with her temper. “We’re not potential mates. I’m not compatible with anyone!” With a sudden burst of strength, she jerked her arm free and ran off down the corridor.

Stunned by the implication, he jogged after her. He couldn’t believe what he’d just heard. Her incompatibility, their incompatibility was at the heart of her upset. All of her arguments and protestation led him to believe she had no interest in being claimed by anyone. Obviously, that wasn’t true. Despite all her claims of indifference, she did want a mate.

He sighed as he hurried along in her wake. His life had always been solitary. He drifted from one bloody conflict to another without ever caring about the cause. He offered his skills, and his visions, to the highest bidder, knowing lives would be lost because of his insights.

Meeting Kage had restored a sense of purpose to Arton’s life, but that didn’t change his dismal past. He’d given up on romance a very long time ago. Lily deserved someone who could love her as deeply as she would doubtlessly love him. Arton was too jaded, too ruined, to provide what she needed in a life partner.

He was careful to keep less than ten feet between them. She’d clearly forgotten about their tether, but he’d felt the agony before and didn’t care to relive the experience.

She took a lift to deck four, then headed toward the forward section of the ship. She didn’t have the clearance necessary to enter restricted areas, so her destination was likely the observation platform above the command center. As he’d surmised, she climbed the ladder leading to the floor entrance. She didn’t invite him to follow, yet she left the door open.

Sunlight warmed his skin as he climbed through the opening. He closed the door before he joined her at the railing. The platform was simply that, a railed area that allowed occupants to enjoy their surroundings. A transparent dome capped the circular space while the ship was in motion. Today the dome had been retracted, offering temperate breezes and fresh air. They stood side-by-side for a moment, staring out at the surrounding forest. The trees swayed hypnotically as the wind gently stirred their branches.

He wanted to touch her, pull her into his arms and comfort her, but he knew she’d only push him away. And he didn’t understand the impulse. If they weren’t genetically compatible, why couldn’t he stop thinking about her, longing for her?

Maybe if he understood her attitude, it would help him unravel his. He chose his words carefully, needing information, not more emotional reactions. “I didn’t think you were interested in a long-term relationship. What changed your mind?”

“Time and logic.” She took a deep breath and rested her hands on the railing. “I was snatched from Earth thirty-four days ago. That doesn’t sound like a lot of time. Many prisoners of war go for years without giving up hope of escape or rescue.” She glanced at him, her features gradually relaxing as she expressed her inner turmoil. “This situation is very different. We all know there will be no rescue. Humans are incapable of long-range space travel and the battle born are overwhelmed with their own problems. Like it or not, this planet is our home now. The only thing we can control is our reaction to this inevitable situation.”

She looked at him, clearly waiting for some sort of response. “Makes sense.” She’d barely begun her explanation, so he wasn’t sure what else to say.

“Almost all the captives volunteered for the battle born transformation program, so they were already intrigued by the idea of bonding with a Rodyte male.”

Arton had used the information in the battle born database to identify potential mates for the Outcasts. It was the quickest and most accurate way of locating genetically compatible females. Besides, knowing each Outcast bride would be stolen away from an arrogant battle born soldier added to the sweetness of the adventure.

“Thea and I are exceptions, so it took us longer even to consider what you guys are offering.”

“But you have considered it?” He studied her profile. She seemed more comfortable with her gaze averted.

“We’ve had thirty-four days with little to do but think and we’re surrounded by females who keep pointing out the benefits of being bonded with a Rodyte. Health, longevity, protection, passion, family, and maybe even magic. Who wouldn’t be tempted by all of that? Especially when the alternative is endless years of loneliness and resentment?” The wind caught a lock of her long dark hair and whipped it across her face. She gathered the strands with her fingertips and tucked them behind her ear. “It’s also hard to be excited about life unless you have a purpose. You guys came here with very specific ideas. The women can be part of what you’re trying to build, or they can wallow in self-pity for the rest of their lives.” She glanced at him as she added, “That’s not a very hard choice.”

He only nodded, not wanting to interrupt her until she was finished.

“Thea isn’t swayed by any of it, of course. She’s still grieving and angry. Nothing will convince her to cooperate.”

“And you? Have you been swayed by their arguments?”

She shrugged, the gesture not quite believable. “As Jillian was quick to point out, I’m no one’s potential mate. The arguments don’t apply to me.”

Her obvious disappointment tore at his heart, stirring feelings he barely recognized in himself. “A couple doesn’t have to be genetically compatible to—”

“I was fighting for my fellow captives, protecting them from their ruthless captors.” She abruptly switched topics, hiding behind the less personal elements of the conflict. “According to Jillian, they’re all switching sides. Now I’m an obstacle keeping them from what they want. They no longer see my refusal as noble or even helpful.”

Unable to resist the impulse any longer, he lightly touched her shoulder. Awareness tingled up his arm, urging him on to more intimate touches. “You can still help them, protect them. Your role will just be different than before.”

“My role would be exactly what you intended from the start.” She shook her head but allowed his touch. “If I reward your bad behavior, it encourages others to misbehave. If one of the females refuses her potential mate, he might not take no for an answer. Why should he? You didn’t.”

He had to progress carefully. She was closer to surrender than ever before. The ruthless thought made him want to laugh. His need to touch her had nothing to do with gaining her cooperation. He desperately wanted to run his hands all over her body and hear her moan his name. “Your primary argument has been that we’re forcing our will on you.” He paused, watching her reaction to his statement. Her gaze narrowed a fraction, but she said nothing. “Did Jillian at least convince you that she’s not being forced?”

She turned her head and gazed back out at the horizon, shifting just enough to dislodge his hand. “I’m not sure I agree. The pull is a form of coercion.”

He’d heard this argument before and didn’t understand the thinking. “The pull is a spontaneous biological function. Hunger urges you to eat. Do you consider that coercion?”

“How well do you know Stront?”

The abrupt subject change surprised him. She still had her face averted, so he wasn’t sure what inspired the question. “He’s been with us for little over a year. He does what he’s told without argument and doesn’t cause trouble. He’s quick witted and good in a battle.”

Her gaze darted toward him and then away. “That’s not what I meant. Is he loyal? Can he be gentle? Will he take good care of Jillian?” Resting her hand on the railing, she looked at him but stayed just out of reach. “She’s really naive. I don’t want her hurt by anyone.”

It was the perfect opportunity to remind her that Jillian might well be hurt unless she fixed the formula, but angering her at this point would be foolish. “Stront is both loyal and trustworthy. He’s also in love with Jillian.”

“She thinks she loves him too, but she’s so young. I don’t think she’s ever been in a serious relationship.”

“Soul bonding is permanent,” he reminded her. “It doesn’t get any more serious than that.”

“You’re not making me feel better.” She heaved a dramatic sigh.

He fought back a smile. There were all sorts of things he could do to make her feel better, but it was seriously doubtful she’d allow any of them. “Stront is a good man. You don’t need to worry about him hurting your friend.”

A faint disturbance snapped Arton to high alert. He spun around, arms out to the side.

“Relax,” Kage said with a lazy smile. “I come in peace.” The wind caught the ridiculous cape that was part of Kage’s barbarian costume. The blood-red material rippled in the wind, then wrapped around his torso, making him look like the cross between a Bilarrian brigand and a Roman Centurion. The munitions bands were loaded now. Kage never left his cabin without a variety of weapons at his disposal.

“How did you get up here?” Lily asked, her voice tremulous. “You didn’t come through the door.” She pointed to the floor opening, which was squarely in her line of sight.

Unlike many of his men, Kage could teleport. Most assumed that his “powers” were the result of highly sophisticated technology. He had once trained as a techno-mage after all, and passing off technology as magic was what they did best. Only Arton knew the truth. The overlord loved gadgets, especially when they mimicked paranormal gifts. However, he had genuine abilities too.

Kage ignored Lily’s question, looking at Arton instead. “I know you took her to see her friends. What was the outcome?”

“Jillian refused to reconsider, but Lily’s decision has yet to be determined.” All the cabins were under surveillance. Kage could have found out what transpired without leaving his quarters. What did he really want?

Lily tensed as Kage turned toward her.

“The transformation program launches tomorrow. Are you willing to— Will you please ensure that no one is harmed by the process?”

Lily stared up at the overlord, shocked by his civility. She opened her mouth, but a sharp cry echoed through the trees interrupting whatever she’d been about to say.

Kage rushed to the railing and stared out across the forest. “Report!”

Arton couldn’t hear the responses, but he knew Kage had opened a link with the patrol groups scattered about the forest.

“Understood. Contain it, but don’t fire unless it leaves you no other choice.” Without explaining what was happening, Kage teleported off the platform.

“What’s going on?” Lily moved up beside him, concern and curiosity widening her gaze.

“I’m not sure.” Gradually opening his mind, Arton began to scan.

“Who was Kage talking to?” Her voice became hushed, uncertain.

Arton held up one hand, backing her off without pulling his focus. It was unlikely his talents would be of any use if the guards were dealing with an “it” not a who. Besides, there was no way he was dragging Lily into danger and the tether bands made it impossible to leave her behind. She stood beside him, quiet and still, so he reached over and took her hand.

Lily’s mind was chaotic, not surprising for a person with no training. He eased inward, penetrating as slowly as he could.

“What are you...oh.” She gasped softly, then fell silent again.

Once his mind was linked with Lily’s, he projected his being back into the woods. He glided along, spreading his energy on the wind as he absorbed images, sounds, and impressions. Surges of fear and desperation guided him toward the scene. Three guards had a creature trapped in the corner created by a rock formation and a tight cluster of trees. The animal snarled and snapped, lips pulled back from sharp-looking teeth. Its eyes flashed yellow in the dimness, but the dense shadows concealed the details of its appearance. A woman stood cowering in the embrace of an Outcast. His face was turned away, so Arton couldn’t identify the burly male.

“What is that thing?” Lily whispered.

“Carnivorous predator. Indigenous. Our patrols have come across them before.”

Kage approached the creature slowly, hands extended, palms out.

“What’s he doing?” Concern sharpened Lily’s voice.

Arton glanced at her without ending the scan. Her face was always lovely, but the soft twilight accented her high cheekbones and supple skin. She’d closed her eyes as she focused inward. His hand was halfway to her face before he realized what he was doing and lowered his arm. He had to stop touching her, no matter how badly he wanted her. She’d been interested enough to look for him in the matching database. He shouldn’t give her false hope. He wasn’t interested in a mate and she deserved more than what he could give her.

His hold on the forest scene began to slip, so he quickly fed energy into the scan. Kage bent to one knee, his hands still extended. The creature growled.

“Oh please, just kill it,” the female murmured, her voice muffled against her male’s chest.

Suddenly, the creature leapt at Kage, jaws clearly aimed at his throat. A stream of energy arced through the gloom and incinerated the creature half an instant before its claws imbedded themselves in the overlord’s shoulders.

“Damn it, Torrin,” Kage grumbled as he pushed back to his feet. “I told you not to shoot.”

“He was going for your throat, sir.” Torrin squared his shoulders and raised his chin, looking even meaner than usual. “I wasn’t willing to risk it.”

“That was my decision not yours,” Kage insisted.

“If you say so, sir.” Torrin generally followed orders, but he definitely had a mind of his own.

Lily’s sharply indrawn breath drew Arton’s attention away from the scene and back to her.

“What’s his name?” Her voice was tense now, almost harsh. “That’s the bastard who snatched me from the Triumphant.”

“His name is Torrin, but you shouldn’t blame him. I chose you for this project.”

She snatched her hand back and opened her eyes. “You don’t need to sound so proud about it.”

Kage flashed back into view, saving Arton from a response. “That’s the third one we’ve seen in the past two days. They’re definitely on the offensive.”

“They’re defending their territory,” Arton pointed out. “We can’t really blame them for that.”

Kage tossed back his cape and shifted his weight from foot to foot, clearly still hyped up from his interaction with the beast. “Which is why I was trying to touch its mind. We need to determine its level of intelligence.”

That would have been helpful, but not at the cost of Kage’s life. “Torrin was protecting you. You can’t punish him for that.”

“We need to know more about them. There are all sorts of prey animals in this sector, but they’re the only predators we’ve encountered.” He rolled his shoulders, and then stretched out his back. “Anyway. Back to our earlier conversation.” He looked at Lily as he asked, “Are you willing to help us or not?”