Needing the focus of deep meditation, Arton carefully disentangled himself from Lily’s warm body and scooted out of bed. They’d spent the past five hours alone in his cabin, laughing and talking like old friends. They ate dinner practically naked, then shared pleasure for the third time. It was amazing how easily she was able to...light his darkness. The phrase sounded foolish even in his mind, but that was what she did. She radiated warmth, hope and happiness, and his anger and bitterness just seemed to evaporate.

She’d said the first step toward healing was wanting the bitterness gone. He’d never cared if he was bitter before. In fact, it worked to his advantage to stay angry all the time. But Lily shouldn’t be burdened with a bitter, angry male. She deserved someone who could see the joy in life and make her laugh whenever she became discouraged. Someone like Dr. Dimples.

Arton tensed. Just thinking of her in the arms of anyone else made him aggressive. He had no idea why, but she’d accepted his claim and he was determined to keep her!

He couldn’t think about this right now. Jillian’s life was on the line and the transformation program was on hold until the Ghost Guide issue was resolved.

With his purpose renewed, he walked into the living room. He grabbed the uniform pants he’d discarded earlier and stepped into them. At times clothes were distracting, but right now being naked reminded him of the warm, willing female sleeping in his bed.

He moved to the far corner of the cabin, away from everything and sat down, facing the walls. His legs were folded in front of him and he closed his eyes, tuning out his surroundings entirely. The trance came quickly. He’d had decades of practice to perfect the technique.

Releasing his inner being, he drifted through the vast currents of time and space, allowing himself a moment to acclimate. His awareness expanded beyond corporeal senses, yet without sensory input it was harder to understand what he perceived.

Slowly, he summoned a detailed image of the Triumphant into his mind. The ship was massive, one of the largest and most sophisticated ships the Rodyte military had ever produced. Arton sensed the ship in the distance, the energy of thousands of lives pulsing with myriad emotions. Ambition and impatience wrapped around hope and wistfulness. Rushing. People spent so much of their lives hurrying from one place to another. He propelled himself toward the target, dreading what came next.

Sedrik, the oldest and most successful of the three Lux brothers. He was also the most like their father. They were both career military, patriotic and sanctimonious. But Kryton Lux had been elite, privileged and powerful, his success assured from birth. Sedrik, on the other hand, was battle born. He had fought, in fact, kicked and clawed for everything he’d ever accomplished. In a rare moment of brutal honesty, Arton admitted that there was much about Sedrik to admire.

There was also much to resent.

Setting aside both extremes, Arton focused on Sedrik without feeling anything at all. Strong features and a piercing gaze, stubbornness and ambition. It only took Arton a moment to lock onto Sedrik’s signal. His energy pulsed with vitality and...contentment? Arton snorted. Who wouldn’t be contented in Sedrik’s life?

The fearsome general lay curved around Rebecca, his newly claimed mate. They were already asleep, thank the gods, but they radiated post-coital bliss. Rather than let their obvious happiness bother him, Arton focused on Sedrik alone. Sedrik’s energy felt different than the last time Arton had touched his mind. Of course. They were bonded now. Apparently, she had succeeded in releasing Sedrik’s magic.

The development gave Arton pause. Did he dare even try this then? Entering someone’s mind without permission, even for a harmless conversation, was considered an assault by most societies. Sedrik was no longer latent. He’d only had access to his power for a few weeks, but many skills could be mastered quickly.

Frustration surged through Arton. It wasn’t really like he had a choice. The Outcasts’ new world was pointless without the transformation program. And despite Lily’s logical explanation for the phenomenon, Arton thought the Ghost Guide was real.

Sedrik’s mind was at peace. Why shouldn’t it be? The bastard had everything. A successful career, beautiful mate, and supportive family. All the things Arton would never, could never attain. Rather than wallowing in self-pity, Arton channeled his resentment into determination and focused again on the task at hand.

Abstract and continually changing, Sedrik’s dream was filled with color and light. Arton gradually sank into the scene, meshing and flowing with the vital energy until he incorporated himself into the surreal images.

Sedrik sat on a rocky outcropping overlooking the crashing waves of the Froxtar Sea. The silver-blue sky was filled with water-color clouds and brightly plumed birds. Behind him Lux Manor sat on a grassy hill in all its palatial glory, exactly as Arton remembered it from his youth. Were it not for the harbinger gene, all this might have come to Arton once Kryton Lux passed beyond. Instead, it would pass to his battle born sons, and Arton—like all harbingers—was expected to do without any form of creature comfort. A fresh wave of resentment threatened his concentration, but he stubbornly forced it aside.

He wanted to have this over with as quickly as possible, so he pulled his being into a concentrated column and formed a visual representation of his physical body. He wore a dark blue tunic and dove-gray pants, the traditional garb for male harbingers. The tunic was decorated with shimmering silver embroidery. His was intricate and elaborate, denoting his status as organic.

Sedrik hadn’t reacted to his arrival. So, how to begin? He took a deep breath and spoke in a calm, clear tone. “I mean you no harm. I just want to talk.”

Sedrik whipped his head around and fury ignited in his eyes. He vaulted off the rocks and dove for Arton. “You worthless son of a bitch! Where did you take the human females?” He swung for Arton’s face, but his fist passed right through the image. “Coward! Solidify so we can finish what you started on my ship!”

Knowing a physical confrontation would be self-defeating, Arton had planned it like this. “The females are safe,” he stressed. “Every single one of them is unharmed.”

“I don’t believe you,” Sedrik sneered. “Let me speak with Thea Cline.”

Arton hesitated. Bringing an untrained mind into a dream meld wasn’t easy. He wasn’t sure he could accomplish it. Of course, he’d never admit that to Sedrik. “I can’t trust Thea to behave. She’s hotheaded and impulsive. Will Lily do?”

“I suppose.”

Sedrik’s gaze narrowed subtly and Arton felt someone push against his shields. But it wasn’t Sedrik. How strange. “Back off your friend or I’m out of here.”

“My friend?” He even managed to sound innocent, but the other being was still there, digging, burrowing with shocking tenacity.

Arton reinforced his shields, then sent out a pain pulse, dislodging the intruder.

Sedrik immediately reacted to the person’s distress. His expression didn’t change, but his mental focus shifted. It had to be Rebecca. “I can talk to your mate if you’d rather. She seems determined to contact me.”

“Leave her out of this.” Sedrik made it sound like a threat.

“Then back her off!”

The pressure abated and he no longer sensed the other presence in the meld. She was likely still there. Soul bonds were continually active. At the very least, she was sensing everything Sedrik felt.

“Bring Lily here. This conversation goes no farther until I have assurances that none of the women have been harmed.”

Arton reached for her, but his signal wasn’t strong enough to connect without breaking contact with Sedrik’s dream. Damn it. It was dangerous to admit any sort of weakness to the enemy. But he needed this, all the Outcasts did. He couldn’t let pride stand in the way of progress.

Despising each word as he spoke it, he said, “I must siphon energy from this meld to bring her here.”

“Understood.”

He pulled a steady stream of Sedrik’s energy into his being, shocked by the concentration of the molecules. His gaze shot to Sedrik and the bastard grinned, clearly relishing Arton’s reaction. He hadn’t felt energy this alive since—he dream shared with Skyla! Understanding the cause now, Arton was amazed by the similarities. Sedrik might look and act like his father, but there was much of his mother in him too.

Feeling almost dizzy, Arton reached for Lily again. She stirred sleepily. I need you to speak with Sedrik. I’m going to bring you to where we are. Don’t struggle or I could injure you.

All right. Her mind was still a bit foggy, which made his job easier.

Very carefully, he wrapped himself around her and drew her into the meld. She didn’t resist in any way, and the infusion of Sedrik’s energy made the maneuver almost routine. Remarkable. Clothing her in a standard uniform, he manifested her image so she could interact more easily with Sedrik.

She looked around, eyes wide with awe. “This is...amazing.”

“Lily, are you unharmed?” Sedrik’s tone snapped with authority and concern.

She shook away the haze and looked at the general. “Yes, sir. We’ve been treated well, all things considered. In fact,” she glanced at Arton, then added, “many of the females don’t consider themselves captives anymore.”

“Do you?”

It took her much too long to answer, but when she did, her words pleased him.

“No, sir. I don’t want anyone harmed, so I’m helping them with their transformation program.”

Sedrik’s features hardened even more and his lips pressed together. “Have you been claimed by one of them? Are you under the influence of bonding fever?”

Her sad little smile made Arton’s heart ache. “I’m not compatible with any of the battle born. You know that, sir.”

Each time she said “sir” Arton cringed. And knowing she was attracted to Sedrik made the deference even more annoying. “Are you satisfied? I’m about to send her back.”

“Yes,” Sedrik muttered begrudgingly.

Arton released his hold on Lily, steadying her precious being until she was back where she belonged. “We’ve run into a snag.”

“Have you now?” Sedrik’s lips curved in a humorless smile and he folded his arms across his chest. “Isn’t that just too bad.”

He didn’t need to know all the details, so Arton got right to the point. “How do I contact the Ghost Guide?”

Sedrik shrugged, but cunning gleamed in his dark eyes. “Don’t know anything about it.”

Suddenly Rebecca appeared. Curly brown hair framed her flushed face and anger flashed in her green eyes. She faced her mate, fists planted on her hips. “Stop shutting me out! This concerns me just as much as it concerns you.”

“I don’t want him anywhere near you,” Sedrik insisted.

“Well, it’s not up to you.” With the issue settled, at least in her mind, she turned to Arton. “How many transformations have you attempted? Was anyone harmed?”

Had he found a reluctant ally? He would take whatever help he could find at this point. “Only one and yes.”

Her eyes filled with compassion. “How badly?”

He glanced at Sedrik before admitting. “The female is in a coma.”

“Damn it.” She turned back to Sedrik. “I could go—”

“Absolutely not!”

“But Lily said—”

“I don’t care what Lily said,” he shouted. “We are not going to assist those criminals in any way.”

“Don’t raise your voice to me! If human females are in danger, I’ll do what I think is best.” She harrumphed then took a deep breath. “Being that my mate prefers not to help you, I suggest you contact your mother.”

Arton set his teeth and glared. “My mother has passed beyond.”

“Sorry. Your step-mother.” She made an impatient face. “Just com Skyla. I better not say any more or my mate will strangle me.”

Sedrik had locked his hands behind his back as if he were still struggling to contain the impulse. “You’ve already said way too much and you know it.”

“Com her,” she urged Arton, then disappeared.

Sedrik started to say something then sighed and shook his head. He suddenly looked sad and tired. “Why didn’t Kage ask to be included in our program. It was always intended for anyone battle born.”

He seemed genuinely confused, so Arton answered honestly. “We wanted a clean break, no ties to anyone or anything.”

“Yet, here you are, asking for help. Doesn’t that amount to the same thing?”

His tone was less combative, so Arton just shrugged.

They stared at each other for a long time, both too proud to make the first move. Finally, Sedrik sighed and spoke in a fast, frustrated tone. “All the females in my life keep insisting that I need to forgive you. I doubt you’ll give a shit even if I do, but here goes. This conflict has gone on much too long. We’re your family. We want you back.”

Something vague and nearly forgotten stirred in Arton’s soul. Several sarcastic retorts popped into his mind. Instead, he shook his head and said, “It’s better this way.”

“That’s nonsense and you know it.” Arton thought Sedrik was finished, then he added, “Just remember we’re willing, as soon as you’re ready.”

Before Arton could react to Sedrik’s sudden attitude shift, Sedrik forced him out of the dream meld and back into his own body.

Arton woke up with a gasp, shocked and disoriented. When reality came back into focus, he was still confused. What did Skyla Lux have to do with the Ghost Guide? And when had Sedrik started caring about anything but his career? The answer was obvious. Rebecca. Sedrik’s bonded mate was softening the general, balancing his ruthless ambition with compassion.

It wasn’t too surprising. One night with Lily and Arton was feeling all sorts of emotions he hadn’t experienced in—maybe ever.

“All the females in my life...” So it wasn’t just Rebecca. Who else could affect someone as self-righteous as Sedrik? The second name was just as obvious. Skyla.

His father’s war bride was the quintessential do-gooder. She hated conflict in any form and pursued peace with laser focus and stunning tenacity. She had been exasperatingly persistent down through the years. She followed Arton around like a shadow, finding him each time he relocated no matter how well he concealed his tracks. If he didn’t resent her so badly, he might have been impressed by her drive and ingenuity. She’d made it her life’s ambition to bring about reconciliation between Arton and the rest of his family. Kryton had stopped hounding him a long time ago, but Skyla just kept coming.

Arton pushed to his feet and shoved his fingers through his hair. He hadn’t spoken with Skyla directly in years. She’d started sending messages through Kage, who found her determination endearing. Only Skyla Lux could charm an overlord.

“So did he tell you anything?” Lily stood in the doorway leading to the bedroom, wearing only one of his shirts. It was unbuttoned to her navel, displaying the inner swell of her breasts and her long, shapely legs. He’d spent much of the past few hours familiarizing himself with her soft body and she still took his breath away.

She’d asked him a question. Oh yeah, what had he learned in the meld? “He didn’t cooperate, but Rebecca did. Sort of. She told me to com Skyla, but didn’t explain why.”

“Skyla. Your step-mother?”

“My father’s war bride. She’s not my anything.”

She smiled. “You didn’t call her a Bilarrian whore. That’s progress.”

He didn’t comment. Instead, he crossed the room and took her in his arms. “Because we’re not related by blood, I can’t dream share with her. I’ll have to figure out another way to contact her.”

Lily just nodded, but questions shadowed her gaze.

“What do you want to know? You’re clearly gnawing on something.”

“I think I understand why you resent your father, but the Lux brothers weren’t even born when...” She sighed and shook her head. “Never mind. I don’t want to fight with you.”

Feeling unusually generous, or maybe he just wanted to make her smile, he steeled himself for the telling and began, “They replaced me. I was so broken, so ruined by the time they helped me escape that Kryton slammed the door on the past and built a shiny new life with his Bilr—with his war bride.”

Her brows drew together as she mined for implications in the few facts he’d just shared. “How old were you when they rescued you?”

“Nineteen. And Sedrik was born eight and a half months after I returned home.”

“Sedrik is what, thirty-five.” Her eyes widened and she looked almost horrified. “You’re in your fifties?”

He laughed. “I told you Rodytes age differently than humans. I’ve expended approximately one third of my lifespan and so have you. Is this really what you want to talk about?”

“No. It just caught me off guard. I want to know whatever you’re willing to tell me. I really want to understand why you’re still angry after all these years.”

Scooping her up in his arms, he carried her to the bed and sat down with her on his lap. Her nearness calmed him, allowing him to relate what happened without being sucked into the emotional sewer associated with the events. “They both claimed to love me, to genuinely want me home, but I could see it in Kryton’s eyes. He was disgusted and disappointed in what I’d become. And each time he looked at Skyla and his perfect newborn son...” He let out his breath slowly, refusing to give in to the emotions churning inside him. “I couldn’t watch it, knew it would be easier on everyone if I just left.”

“I suspect they wouldn’t agree, but where did you go?”

“I signed on with the first opportunity that took me offworld. They happened to be Parillian mercenaries. When their leader realized what I was, he made damn sure his men didn’t abuse me. He befriended me and convinced me to use my visions to make his life easier. I stayed with them for almost three years.”

“Did you have any contact with your family during that time?” She spoke with obvious care as if she was worried he’d lose his temper. Little wonder. Her concern was justified.

He shook his head. “We were continually on the move. It would have been almost impossible for them to locate me. This also kept me safe from the guild’s hunters.”

“Hunters? Harbinger Guild was hunting you?”

“Of course. I was a prized possession. They had no intention of letting me go without a fight.”

She shook her head, clearly upset by the idea. “That’s so wrong. I don’t know what to say.”

“That’s why I say nothing at all.” He hoped she would take that hint, but she didn’t.

“Where did you go next?”

If she wanted a blow-by-blow accounting of his entire career, this was going to take hours. Keeping her close, he crawled onto the bed and propped himself up against the wall. She lay between his legs, her upper body semi-reclining against his chest. The position was intimate without being sexual. Too bad.

“Next came the Sarton Conflict,” he told her when she stared up at him expectantly. “It was too bloody for the Parillians, but I’d acquired a taste for it by then.”

She shivered. “You ‘acquired a taste’ for war?”

He shrugged, but her reaction concerned him. He didn’t want to damage the fragile connection they’d barely begun to build. Still, her curiosity about his past was persistent. “It was the perfect outlet for my rage,” he admitted, but said no more.

She milled that over for a moment in silence, then asked, “When and how did you meet Kage?”

Like the berserkers of ancient Earth, Arton had been so consumed by the carnage that he was barely sane by the time Kage found him. “I was bleeding to death and more than ready for it to be over when Kage literally tripped over my body. I’m still not sure why he bothered, but he carried me back to his ship and his medics patched me up. I was furious at first, not in any way grateful, but he gradually pulled me back from the abyss and helped me learn to be less self-destructive. He’s been my anchor for twenty-three years.”

“What’s an anchor?”

Shit. He did not want to tell her about the harbinger/anchor bond. She was smart and perceptive. It wouldn’t take her long to reach the same conclusion as Kage. He chose each word with the utmost care. “Harbinger gifts operate best when they’re linked with someone strong and dependable.”

“The information I read talked about harbingers needing a ‘master’. It said harbingers require the steadying presence of an objective handler. Is it sort of like that?”

“It’s exactly like that, but most harbingers nowadays prefer the term anchor to master.”

“I would too.” She looked up and smiled. “Kage is a good choice. I can’t imagine anyone stronger. I don’t know him well enough to say if he’s dependable or not.”

Arton exhaled. Thank the gods for small favors. She’d accepted his vague explanation. Or he thought she had until she asked, “What does Kage get out of it?”

The way she’d worded the question gave him an out. “He has access to harbinger energy. His abilities don’t change, but he’s able to...supercharge his gifts when he pulls energy from me.”

“Cool.” She yawned. “You two are really close, aren’t you?”

“He’s my mentor, best friend, and boss.” He chuckled. “I guess that constitutes close.”

“Have you ever...you know, crossed the line?”

Few were bold enough to ask the question, but he knew many wondered if they were lovers. “I have no sexual attraction to other males and neither does Kage, but you’re not the first to have wondered.”

“There’s a tangible connection between you two that seems unusual. I guess, you just told me what it is. He’s your anchor.”

“Go back to sleep,” he coaxed, stroking her hair.

“You should too. That dream meld had to have exhausted you.”

Oddly enough he wasn’t tired. And she was right, he should have been. Bilarri was the source of Rodyte magic. And Skyla was Bilarrian. Was it really surprising that she’d passed on highly concentrated energy to her sons? Arton tried not to react, but it was one more thing for him to envy.

“I have to figure out a way to contact Skyla without revealing our location.”

“Why don’t you go to her?” She yawned again, then turned onto her side and snuggled into the warmth of his body.

It wasn’t a bad idea. But it would take three days to reach Rodymia and another three to return. And who knew how long to gain her assistance. Could Jillian wait that long? No, he needed something faster, more direct. His telepathic reach was insufficient to ping her, a telepathic tap that encouraged her to form the link. Damn it. He closed his eyes and cleared his mind. He’d meditate and hopefully, he’d think of something.

* * *

LILY SPENT THE NEXT three days in the lab frantically searching Dr. Mintell’s notes. The male was an overbearing ass most of the time, but he was brilliant and kept meticulous records of everything concerning the transformation program on Earth. He had encountered all sorts of complications, especially in the beginning, but nothing that paralleled what was happening to Jillian.

“Take a break already!” Lentar insisted from the doorway. “I don’t think you’ve moved an inch since the last time I checked on you.” He’d insisted she start using his first name. Reluctantly, she’d obliged. Arton was already jealous of “Dr. Dimples”. She didn’t want to add fuel that that particular fire. “I’m serious. Get out of here for at least an hour. Go outside or something. Staring at the display isn’t going to change what’s recorded there. Mintell didn’t run across this exact complication. We’re on our own.”

She knew he was right, but wasn’t ready to admit that they were out of options. Jillian’s condition had started to deteriorate yesterday, so Lentar put her in stasis. The move bought them some more time, but it didn’t solve the problem.

Lentar walked up behind her and rolled her chair away from the workstation. Then he tipped it forward, forcing her to stand up or end up on the deck. She laughed. “All right. All right. I get the point. I’ll go reacquaint myself with the sun.”

Not in the mood for a bunch of gossipy women, Lily disembarked using the midship gangway on deck three rather than emerging through the commons. Every Rodyte she passed averted his gaze and nodded respectfully. The change was stunning. They hadn’t openly ogled her before, but their interest had been obvious. Arton’s scent protected her now. For better or worse, she was the Heretic’s female.

A cool breeze blew her hair across her face as she stepped out onto the nested stairway. The structure was covered, but the sides were open, offering no protection from the elements. The day felt almost cold after hours in a stuffy lab, but she didn’t care. Lentar was right, she really needed a break.

Lingering on the top platform, she looked around. Her view was partially obscured on one side by the Viper, and by the Nexus on the other. But in the distance she could see a series of fields the Outcasts had recently cleared. Were they going to build something or...plant some sort of crop? The thought made her laugh. It was extremely hard to picture these battle-hardened mercenaries pushing plows. The ships could provide food for everyone as long as the generators were recharged once a year. She wasn’t sure what they used to recharge them, but she’d heard the term repeatedly. Anyway, it would sure be nice to have fresh fruits and veggies once in a while.

Shrugging off her speculation, she started down the stairs. She hadn’t seen Arton since breakfast that morning. He’d been particularly prickly today. She understood his frustration. He wasn’t having any better luck solving his problem than she was having resolving hers. His psychic range simply wasn’t large enough to contact Skyla and any traditional means of communication risked revealing the settlement’s location.

Shouts and stomping feet drew her attention to the ramp near the bow of the Viper. A small swarm of armed Outcasts raced out, then ran right in front of her. They were headed toward the clearing surrounding the Wheel. She waited until the last male passed, then hurried after them. She didn’t want to interfere in whatever this was or get in their way, but what the heck was going on?

The soldiers formed a wide ring, which had them pointing their weapons at each other. A few seconds later the rumble of engines drew her attention to the sky. A small commuter ship, roughly triangular in shape, seemed to float down from the clouds, its movements slow and precise.

The Outcasts targeted the ship, but held their fire. Kage, Arton, and a male Lily didn’t know came running from one of the other ships. She hadn’t seen them exit, so she didn’t know which one. They were trying to keep the settlement’s location a secret from everyone, so clearly this visitor was uninvited.

The ring of soldiers shifted, making room for the overlord and his two companions. Arton looked around as he moved into position on Kage’s right. Was he looking for her? Their gazes locked for just a moment. He acknowledged her with a nod, then turned his attention back to the newly arrived ship.

Lily crept forward while staying well back from the ring of armed Outcasts. Others joined her, rapidly forming a curious audience for this strange confrontation. A small hatch opened and a ramp extended. Tension was palpable, and Lily found herself holding her breath.

Two burly males in green-and-gold uniforms marched down the ramp first. They took up a defensive position on either side of the ramp, then a female emerged. She was dressed in a dark blue power suit with a narrow skirt instead of pants. She moved with the regality of a queen. Her dark hair swept away from her face and into a simple twist at the back of her head. Lily was too far away to see her eyes, but her gaze moved immediately to Arton. How strange. Did he know this female?

“Have you lost your mind?” he snapped moving toward her with angry strides. “We could have shot you out of the sky.”

She offered him an enigmatic smile. “I knew you wouldn’t.”

“That’s not funny.”

The comment confused Lilly even more. Why did he think she’d meant it to be funny?

“Does your husband know you’re here?”

Lily’s eyes widened and understanding slammed through her. She looked at the female more closely. Was this Skyla Lux? Did she know Arton was trying to contact her? How the hell had she found this place?

Kage stepped up beside Arton and bowed to the stranger. “Overlord Kage Razel. It’s nice to finally meet you in person, Madame Lux.”

She was! This was Skyla, mysterious mother of the three Lux brothers, former war bride of Kryton Lux. Lily shook her head, amazed. She was too damn beautiful to have three grown sons.

“Likewise, Overlord Razel.” She smiled warmly. “You’ve been a great help to me more than a few times and I appreciate it very much.”

“At ease,” Kage called to his men, then swept his arm toward the Viper. “Let’s get you out of the sun.”

“In a moment.” She turned suddenly and walked straight to Lily. Her eyes were vivid blue, ringed in blood-red. The combination was striking in such a delicate face. “You’re Lily, aren’t you?”

A tingle raced down her spine. “I am, but how did you know?”

Skyla’s answer was preempted as a pack of karrons bolted from the trees and charged the crowd. Screams mixed with growls and feline roars. People scrambled, running in every direction, shoving and colliding in the confusion. The battle cats raced through the panicked mob, weaving in and out while snarling and snapping, flashing their razor-sharp teeth. Solders ran after the cats, desperately trying to lock in a shot that would hit nothing but the animals.

Skyla’s guards hurried her back toward her ship as Arton fought his way toward Lily. She reached out a hand toward him when a searing pain stabbed into her thigh. She gasped in a breath as she looked down and screamed. One of the karrons had ahold of her leg. It tugged with all its might as if trying to drag her along with it.

Fight or flight engaged and she turned aggressive, beating the cat on the muzzle and head with tightly clenched fists. The battle cat barely noticed. Using both hands, she tried to pry its jaws open, freeing her leg, but only managed to trip herself in the process. She went down hard on her hip, then quickly covered her head with her arms as someone almost trampled her.

Her other leg was suddenly grabbed by two more karrons. Their aim was better than the first’s had been. They mostly caught her pant leg and not her flesh. They were clearly working as a team. If her life weren’t in danger, she would have found their behavior fascinating. Adrenaline sped her pulse and added to her strength. She clawed at the ground, and kicked wildly, desperate to slow their progress or dislodge them completely. Even if it shredded her leg, she’d still be alive. They drug her free from the crowd and headed back into the trees, their human prize trailing behind them.

Energy pulses arced through the air and pelted the karrons like painful rain. Their armor absorbed most of the energy, but they yelped and whined, sounding more like dogs than cats for a change.

All at once, as if hearing some signal, all three of the creatures opened their jaws and ran into the surrounding forest. Lily watched their retreat in stunned appreciation. Had they just responded to the pain or... She searched the shadows as she struggled to sit, ignoring the throbbing protest of her left leg.

A sudden movement drew her eyes to something—or someone—standing in the shadows. The person spun around, dislodging his or her hood as they ran deeper into the forest. Lily just saw them for an instant, but two things had been clear. They’d been wearing a hooded cloak, and they had strange silvery hair. Had she just seen one of Arton’s elves?

“Are you all right?” Arton knelt beside her, fear contorting his features. He looked her up and down. “Shit, they really did a number on your leg.” He carefully pulled her into his arms, then maneuvered to his feet.

“I’m pretty sure I can walk,” she objected, but waves of pain and nausea were taking turns inside her. “It’s an animal bite, not a plasma blast.”

He didn’t argue. He just carried her back toward the Viper, his long strides just short of a jog. “I’ve never been so terrified in my life.”

She reached up and touched his face, pleased by the confession. “I’ll survive. I promise. But I’ve never seen anything like that. If they’d wanted a meal, why didn’t they just... That was organized behavior. They were—kidnapping me.”

“They’ve only drawn blood three times and all three have been women,” Kage added as he caught up to Arton. Apparently, he’d heard her musings.

Arton nodded. “They growl at males, but only attack females. It’s all very strange.”

“I saw someone in the trees,” Lily explained. “I think she was—commanding them.”

“She?” Arton and Kage exchanged skeptical glances then Arton went on, “Are you certain you saw a female?”

She sighed. “I’m not certain of much, but I saw someone with silver-white hair.”

“It must have been a trick of the light,” Kage dismissed. “Arton had me convinced he was onto something, but Torak just returned from his sweeps of the caverns. He confirmed that we’re the only inhabitants on this planet.”

So Warlord Torak was the other male who came running out with Kage and Arton. He was even taller than the overlord, and looked just as mean. She’d only seen him for a moment, but he left a menacing impression.

“Maybe his scanners can’t detect this sort of life,” she suggested. “Their fundamental molecular structure could be based on something other than carbon. Humans have long speculated that there might be silicone-based life forms.”

Kage just shook his head. “Our scanners might not have been able to identify them, but they still would have picked them up.”

He could deny it all he liked. Lily knew what she’d seen. There had been a silver-haired, cloaked figure in those trees.