Page 44 of Bound (Gladiators of the Gryn #3)

RYCH

I’ve had better nova-days. The Loxzian wire was removed whilst I was unconscious, but instead I’m pinned out on an X-shaped bed, naked.

The Drahon male was correct. Whatever it was they gave me provided me with dreams of perfect enjoyment. Dreams of my Chrissie and all the things I want to do to her.

I pull at my bonds, and the things slacken a little under the strain. Wherever I am, it has a scent I recognize. Aging food, no hygiene, the foul odor of the Drahon.

I have been here before, I just can’t remember why. But given my current predicament, I’m most likely going to find out.

I toss my head from side to side, freeing myself from the strap which runs over my forehead, until I hear a scraping sound and duck back under it.

“It’s awake, my lady,” an obsequious voice says.

“Good.” The face of Felia looms into my vision, and bright lights come on, pointing directly into my eyes.

I make a show of wincing.

“Yes, yes, poor Gryn. Does that hurt?” she croons with absolutely no warmth. “You have sensitive eyes, don’t you, silly creatures.” She runs her hand down my torso and on down my thigh. “As well as other sensitive areas.”

With a will I’ve dredged up from somewhere, I manage not to react. I need to know what they want before I do what I need to do.

Instead I offer her a wet smile.

“Narcotic still in your system, I see.” Her face is stony. “We’ll have to change that.”

“Wha’ do you want with me?” I shove the words through fangs and my tongue to continue the ruse.

She gives me a pitying glance as she draws up blue liquid into a hypo-syringe.

“I want what all Drahon want. Revenge. But where you are concerned, I want my very own Gryn gladiator. You came to the previous chief scientist without memory, and he thought you worthless, but I think you will be absolutely perfect for what I have in mind.”

“What about the human?” I ask, knowing I’m pushing my luck, but I have to find out if the Drahon have her.

My cocks have swelled at the thoughts of Chrissie and Felia is glaring at them in disgust.

“The human carrier?” Felia gives me a sharp look. “Will wonders never cease. You’ve found your mate, haven’t you?” She shakes her head. “Disgusting creatures. Why do you persist in growing your young inside another?”

Whatever these Drahon are, wherever they have come from and whatever they want from me or any other Gryn, they are absurd, and I’m going to make sure they pay for taking me away from my mate.

Starting with this one.

I snap the bond on my arm nearest her, and in the same movement, as her eyes widen, I slam my hand into her neck.

“What do you mean ‘human carrier’?” I snarl at her.

Felia flails at my arm, but she might as well be trying to get free from a tritanium bar. I want answers and I want my mate.

“The human has a virus which can infect tech. It’s designed to be injected into a compatible lifeform in order to get it onto planets or into facilities where it can be extracted and used. Tatatunga is the place it was needed, given the plans the council has.”

“You will extract it from her. It’s making her sick,” I growl.

“It’s supposed to make her sick, you dumb creature,” Felia snarls, which earns her a shake. “It’s when she stops being sick there’s a problem. It means the virus is bonding to her DNA.”

“And what happens when it does?”

“It will kill her.”

I look up as a number of well-armed guards run into the room. Felia smiles her nasty smile.

“Now, if you don’t mind, I have to get on. Starting with you.”