Page 37 of Master (The Outlander Book Club… in Space! #3)
The largest of the bunch threw back his head, the loud laugh a series of snorts and growls. When his gaze hit mine, his stare showed a hint of appreciation.
"This human is funny." His expression changed from epicurious to erotic. "She might be useful for other entertainments."
"I'd rather be on the menu," I muttered.
"I can arrange that." The creature bared his fangs as he stomped toward me. “Tell us how you counteracted the mumje human. My patience is thin.”
I met his black eyes, my lips pressed tight together.
Tarook, where are you?
Parlow watched me with a curious expression. Finally, he cracked a smile.
"Why don't you show her what it will be like to be the main course?"
"Gladly,' the Kerzak purred.
Fucker!
I dove to the side, scrambling away as the furry hand reached for me.
The Kerzak made a noise of aggravation, snatching my already sore arm and jerking me to my feet.
Holding my arm out to the side, he bent, something that might have been a smile curling the black lips before three-inch-long canines sunk into the underside of my forearm.
Pain ricocheted through my body. His fangs were wicked sharp, so piercing the skin barely hurt, but his saliva felt like acid meandering through my veins. I tasted blood from the clamp my teeth held on my tongue. I would not give them the satisfaction of crying out.
"Humans have such a sweet taste," the creature murmured, his long black tongue licking up the blood trailing from two deep puncture wounds. Behind him, the others began sniffing and rumbling and smacking.
"Ready to talk?" Parlow asked pleasantly.
"Fuck you!" I grunted.
The mayor signed in disappointment, cocking his head as he looked at the Kerzak.
"Another bite, my furry friend?"
The beast gave a wide grin, teeth stained with my blood. He opened his mouth wide…. I'd lose a chunk of my arm this time, no doubt. I’d most likely bleed to death if he severed my radial artery.
Tarook!
My only regret was not saying, I love you .
I felt the scrap of his teeth on my arm and closed my eyes, steeling myself. I refused to let these bastards hear me scream.
A high-pitched keening flew past my ear, and I opened my eyes just in time to watch the Kerzak's head explode, showering me in warm, stinking blood.
Then all hell broke loose.
The other Kerzak roared, pulling their weapons. The creature that hit me surged forward, claws outstretched, but something blew his hand off before he could grab me. The beast screamed, managing to continue in my direction before a long blade buried itself in the center of his forehead.
Tarook burst from the shadows, sword in one hand, knife in another.
He met the two surviving Kerzak blade for blade, his fighting skill stealing my breath away.
He moved like a mixture of Jamie Fraser and Dwayne' the Rock' Johnson, with a little Jackie Chan thrown in for good measure.
He easily subdued one beast with a deep cut across the abdomen and turned to the second.
Mayor Parlow took that moment to attempt escape.
Oh, hell no!
When the fighting started, I'd gotten out of the way, crouching behind a tree. I grabbed a nearby stick and jumped to my feet, blocking Parlow's way.
"Move, bitch!"
I moved just enough to better my angle, then kicked—driving my foot straight into Parlow's crotch.
He bellowed painfully, hands going to cradle his bruised testicles. I took the opportunity to hit him in the head with the stick.
Parlow crumbled to the ground in a dazed lump. I followed, going to my knees in a swoon. Adrenaline might have dulled the pain in my forearm, but it did nothing to staunch the heavy flow of blood.
Tarook pulled his blade from the midsection of one Kerzak while the other stumbled into the darkness.
Bartholomeus and Peacekeeper Munroe rolled into the clearing, moving to give chase.
Tarook stopped them, holding his hand out for the Romvesians’ gun.
Bartholomeus didn't hesitate to toss the weapon.
Tarook turned, taking aim, and shot into the darkness.
A thump and painful groan preceded the thud of something large hitting the dirt.
"Any reason to check the body?" Munroe asked.
"No. He's dead." Tarook tossed the weapon to Bartholomeus, his attention turning fully in my direction.
Fury flashed over his face as his golden eyes took in my disheveled appearance and bleeding arm.
"Are you okay, darlin’?"
The gentleness of his voice brought tears to my eyes.
I nodded, not trusting myself to answer without sobbing.
He knelt beside me, ripping the shirt off his back to bind my arm, low, angry growls issuing from deep in his throat as he worked.
I laid my head against his chest, his heavy heartbeat—a replica of my own—comforting.
"Do you think there are more Kerzak about?" Munroe asked, pulling a stumbling Parlow to his feet.
Tarook raised his head and inhaled deeply, staying quiet for a moment. I thought I saw the tips of his ears twitch.
"Not that I can detect."
"Exactly how far away is that sniffer of yours good for?" The peacekeeper held Parlow at arm's length while the mayor hocked and spit.
I hoped I'd kicked the bastard's balls into his throat.
"About five of your human miles," Tarook answered without the slightest cockiness. "The Bardaga will do a planet scan when they arrive. If there are more hiding … we'll find them."
He stood, lifting me in his arms.
"Now, I must have my mate seen by a healer."
The strength of his arms and the low timbre of his voice claiming me caused my body to tremble.
Blood loss made me woozy, but not enough that I didn't recognize the innate sense of rightness I felt in his arms. I wound my good arm around his neck and, with a sign of exhaustion, buried my face in his chest. His scent was spicier than normal, an offshoot of battle, no doubt.
"Head to Mei's." Bartholomeus appeared loaded with weapons he'd taken from the dead Kerzak. "I'll go by Doc Pritchett's house and meet you there."
Tarook gave a grunt of agreement in Bartholomeus's direction and took off into the darkness with me held tightly against his chest.
"You're safe, darlin'," Tarook murmured, pressing his lips to my temple. "I'm here."
"I know," I whispered… and burst into tears.